My Jim 



FERDINAND GRAHAME, 

V 

A comedy-drama in four acts. 



Copyrighted 1900. 
All rights reserved. 



•; 



The sole property of Dick Ferris. 



Printed not Published. 



W. J. BOYCOTT, 

Printer and Binder, 

La Crosse, Wis. 



V- 



37522 

TWO •Oriss RBCEiYED, 

L Ibrary of Congret* ~?*d\c'* > 

Office of th« ~, ^ 

AUG 2 2 WO £X 

Keglitor of Copyright* 

SEP 12 1900 






My Jim.,. 



Musie CttES. 



ACT I. 

Quartette at rise — (no accompaniment.) 

— your usual good temper. 
Lively — Start Pp. 

its Mr. Foxglove. 

Swell fo Ff. — till Eccles is on. 

come here this instant. 

Lively. 

till Hetty is on. 

and you ain't the one. A 

Lively — Pp. — 
Until cue: 

ouch! Gee whiz! 

Dick! Kate! 

Plaintive. 

until Kate's exit in house. 

Partners for a Quadrille. 

Quadrille — Ff. 
Until cue: — 

when Hetty jerks off handkerchief. 

Diminish to Pp. 

I'll kiss you next. 

Swell — 

Until Curtain. 



ACT II. 

Lively at rise. 

his shirt, if I wanted to. 

Plaintive. 

Until Kate's exit. 

Knock 'em down again. 

Agitato — Pp 

until Jim carries Hetty on. 

After Quartette. 

"If you should see your Sister." Plaintive 
Until Kate's exit. 

"Wasn't for the name on the slate. 

Agitato 

Until all enter, 

Tie it tighter. 
Lively 

for Curtain. 

ACT III. 

Lively — at Rise. 

Now's your chance to prove it. 

Agitato — Pp. 

Until Lucretia enters. 

After Quartette. 

"If you should see your Sister" — PLAINTIVE 

Until Bradley closes door. 
Then 
Agitato — Pp. 

Until Curtain. 



ACT IV. 

Plaintive — at rise. 

figures are right, are they not? 

Plaintive. 

until Abner enters. 

until the clock strikes ten. 

Agitato — Pp. — until cue: 

one, two, three, four, etc. 

Swell to Ff. — for Jim's entrance. 

1 understand. (Rccle's exit). 

Agitato — Pp. — until cue: 
bring in the minister. 

Change immediately to 
Lively — Pp. 

name on the slate? 

Swell Ff. for Curtain. 



CHARACTERS. 



Jim Mayne— Of Maine. Hetty Kingbridge — All sunshine. 

Tom Mayne— His brother. Lucretia Mayne— All clouds. 

Abner Mayne — His father. Kate Mayne — All sorrow. 

Eccles Foxglove— A wise one. MoLLiEMiDDLESEX-Allexpectancy 
Richard Bradley — A mean one. 



SYNOPSIS. 



ACT I — The Mayne homestead. Jtine 24, 1898. The dance. 

ACT II — The same evening. The mortgage. 

ACT III — The Mayne residence in New York. Four days afterward. 
The message. 

ACT IV— Back to Maine. December 24, 1898. The clock. 



ACT I. 

SCENE PLOT. 

Landscape in 4 

Picket fence Gate C in 3 

Set Hcrase — [with up-stairs window] 



-on steps R. 2 E. 



"PROPS. 



Barn— L. 3 E. 

Farm bench — L. C. 

Churn (containing water) — L., above bench. 

Rustic chair — R.. below steps. 

Old Sacks— on stage L., below bench (jug for molasses). 

Step-ladder in house (for window.) 

Step-ladder 

Pitchfork 

Big bunch hay > Ready L. U. E. 

Butterfly net J 

Jug molasses J 

Pillow & feathers \ „ ^ . . , , _ 

Small book / Ready inside house, R. 

8 milk pans — Ready L. 2 E. 

V-i set harness (with lines) — Ready in barn L. 

Gingham Apron — Kate. 

Pencil — Ec. 



(Quartette at rise— sings — off L. U. E.) 

Kate — (Discovered in gate, C. — looking oft L. U. E. 
at end of song — down L. to churn) — The boys at 
work in the hayfield. (Chorus in house JR. 2 E.) 

Mollie — (Enters from house — on steps) Land sakes 
o'Goshen, Kate, ain't that butter come yit? 

Kate — (Looks up.) It seems rather slow com- 
ing, Aunt Mollie. 

Mollie — (Down steps to C.) — Don't make much dif- 
ference. I calkilated to hev fresh butter for supper 
to-night, but I hear that Tom and his wife are goin' 
back to the city this afternoon. (Places arms akim- 
bo, faces Kate.) Say, Kate, what do you think o' 
the walkin'-millinery-sign that Tom's brought home 
as his wife, eh? 

Kate — (Churning.)— She seems a cultured city lady. 
I'm afraid we're too common for her here. 

Mollie — (C.) — Too common! Land sakes o'Goshen! 
She's uncommon tantalizin', that's what she is! (Is 
facing L. Pillow thrown from upstairs window of 
house — hits her on back.) Ouch! (Turns R. looks 
up at window, then down at pillow on stage.) 

Kate— Who did that? 

Mollie — (Picks up pillow.) — That pesky Eccles Fox- 
glove, I'll bet. Look at that piller — hole tore in the 



corner, and all black from bein' wallered around in the 
dirt! (Rips open end of pillow case.) Now I'vegot to 
wash this pillercase. (Spills feathers out onstageL.) 
Fill it again with new goose feathers. Feel as tho' 
I'd ought to fumigate the whole house after that 
wife o' Tom's gits out of it. 

Luc. — (Enters from house, R., down steps to C, 
very supercillious.) — Miss Middlesex. 

Mol — (Does not see Luc) — Wish she was here 
now — 

Kate — (Motions frantically to Mol to notice Luc) 

Luc — (Same tone.) — Miss Middlesex. 

Mol — (Pays no attention to Kate or Luc. Turns 
pillow case wrong side out.) Wisht she was here 
right now this minute — I'd like to give her a piece o' 
ray mind. I feel brave enough to turn right to her 
and say — (suits action to words, turns C, faces 
Luc.) 

Luc— Well? 

Mol — (As if crushed.) — Good evening, mam. 

Luc — Give me a piece of your mind, eh? I didn't 
imagine you possessed a mind. What have you to 
say? 

Mol — Oh, actions speak louder than words. (Shakes 
pillow case angrily at Luc, feathers fly in shower 
over Luc.) 

Luc (Angrily.) — How dare you! Those dirty 
feathers on my expensive dress. (Picking off feath- 
ers.) 

Mol — All the peacock feathers on this farm couldn't 
make anything but a screaming hen out o' you! (Up 
R. and hangs pillow case on fence.) 

Luc (to R.) — Insolent creature! Thank Heaven 
we're here but a few minutes longer; they're hitching 
the horses now. (Exit in house, R., picking off feath- 
ers ) 

Tom (Inside barn, L. 3 E.) — You mean this for me, 
father? 

Kate (Looks in door of barn and goes up L. to 
Mol.) R. C. 

Abner (inside barn, L.) — Yes, for you. (Horse 
squeals.) Whoa, gol darn ye! I mean, consarn ye! 
(Horse squeals and kicks.) Whoa, I say! Thar, 
now, you busted yer belly-band! 

Tom (Enters from barn, stands outside door, look- 
ing at legal paper in hand.) — The farm mine, father? 
I hardly understand. 

(Ab enters from barn, V2 set harness in hand) — My 



boy, "to him that hath shall be given;" that's what 
the Scriptures says, and I believe 'em. You've proved 
yerself a man able to make money, and in these days 
o' mortgages and land-sharks, the farm is best off in 
the hands of a lawyer like you. An' it'd be your'n 
by right, boy, as my oldest son. It'll only be a little 
spell till I'm sleepin' beside yer mother on the hillside. 
(L. Cor.) 

Tom — (Down L.) I'll take it, father, to hold intrust 
for Jim and Kate. (Pockets document.) 

Ab — Yes, you must alius see that they is provided 
fur. Say, can't you and yer wife stay jest one more 
day? 

Tom — My wife insists upon leaving this afternoon; 
you know it is a husband's duty to obey his wife. 

Ab — That's right, Tom. "Honor thy wife," says 
the scripturs, and I believe 'em. But ye've been here 
only three days, and its five years since ye went 
away, and }^et it seems only yesterday that I took 
yer hand in mine, like this (Takes Tom's hand) and 

bid ye God speed ! (Appealingly) Can't ye can't 

ye 

Tom — A blessing that has since been my Guiding 
Star. I'll stay till tomorrow, dad. 

Ab— (Joyfully, shaking hands) That's right, Tom. 
An' we'll have a dance for ye tonight, out here on the 
grass. (Sits on bench, L. — works at harness). 

Luc (Appears at door of house, R.) — Is the team 
ready? 

Tom— Lucretia, my dear (To C.) I have promised 
father to remain until tomorrow. 

Luc— (R. C, Down steps to R.) What! Another 
day in this musty old place? I won't stay? That 
vulgar brother of yours 

Tom — (C. ) Lucretia, you are speaking of my brother! 

Luc — And the more I speak of him the more I'll 
say ! He and your father and your meddlesome old 
aunt (Mollie and Abner listening), they're a trio of 
stupids — all alike ! 

f Mol (DownC, arms akimbo)— Well! 
Together J Ab ^ At] S r ^j)— Goldarnye; I mean, con- 
o lsarnye! (Drops harness, picks it up and 

[fumbles it). 

Luc — Where is Hetty ? 

Mol — (Snappishly) She's out somewhere with 
Tom's brother, Jim. 
Luc (Imitates) — "Out somewhere," with a no- 



8 

body! It is a shame that my sister should be com- 
pelled to endure such vulgar companions. 

Tom — Lucretia ! Her "vulgar companion" is my 
brother— he's only a boy, but he's honest and 
square! And your husband's brother is a plenty 
good enough companion for my wife's sister! (To 
R. C.) 

Luc— Nonsense ! You have risen above this dirt- 
digging family 

Ala— (Aside) Damn it; I mean, hang it! (Drops 
collar; bus. as before.) 

Luc — But that is no reason why you should try to 
drag your wife's people down to the level of your 
starting-point. I won't stay! (Turns away, R.) 

Ab— (Rises up) Come, Tom's wife, stay jest till 
mornin'— we'll have a dance tonight, and I'll get this 
harness fixed and take ye to town in fine style to- 
morrow mornin' in the lumber-wagon. 

Luc — A lumber-wagon ! A nice vehicle for a mem- 
ber of the Kingbridge family to ride in ! 

Mol— (Down C.) Well, I'vErid in alumber-wagon — 
many's the time — and my name is Middlesex— and 
the Middlesex family is as good as the Kingbridges 
any day, and better— and what's good enough for 
me is too pesky good for you! (Goes up C, com- 
edy walk.) 

Luc. R. C. 

Luc— "Pesky good." There's a sample of the 
language of your cultivated relations. 

Tom — You knew what my family was when you 
married me. 

Luc — Oh, you are clever — a successful lawyer — I ad- 
mire cleverness, that's why I married you. But I 
married you, not your family. Compare that rustic 
brother of yours with Mr. Richard Bradley, for in- 
stance. 

Tom— Well to console you, I'll tell you that Brad- 
ley will be 'over here this afternoon. 

Luc — I know it, I sent for him. 

Tom — You; and for what purpose, may I ask? 

Luc— I intend that Hetty shall give him a definite 
answer. He is exactly the husband for her and she 
shall not play with him any longer. He can return 
with us as our guest to New York tonight. 

Tom— TOMORROW. 

Luc— tonight! 

Tom— Lucretia usually your will has been my law, 



9 

but in this I will be master! We remain until to- 
morrow. 

Luc (pause) Well, then tomorrw. (Flings herself 
into chair R.) 

Torn goes up R. C. meets Kate. 

Ab — (Rises leaving harness on bench L.) There, 
there now, stop it! When quarrels come in the front 
door, love goes out the back. That ain't exactly the 
Scriptures but I believe it. Besides we common folks 
ain't worth quarrelling about and only a couple of 
months married, too. (L. to door of barn.) Aside, 
looking at Luc I'd like to sick the dog on her dog- 
gone her! (Exit into barn L.) 

Kate starts to the L.2E. 

Tom — (catches Kate's hand C.) Where are you 
going Kate? 

Kate — To the dairy after the milk pans. 

Tom — Why are you so quiet Kate — Haven't you 
one bright look for brother Tom? 

(Kate shakes her head negatively.) 

Tom — What's the matter? Has Lucretia annoyed 
you? (Looking down R. at Luc.) 

Luc — (rises scornfully) I annoy her, the ideal 

Kate — No Tom, nothing has annoyed me — (going 
L.)— nothing but myself. (Exit slowly L. 2 E.) 

Tom — (C. looking after Kate) There is something 
wrong there. (R. on steps, to Luc) Better come in- 
side, Lucretia, until you have recovered your usual 
good temper. 

Dog growls and barks outside L. U. E. 

Eccles — (outside L. U. E.) Nice doggie! Good 
doggie! (barks) Ow! Get out or I'll kick the face off 
of vou! 

Mol— (up L. looking overfence off L. U. E.) Its Mr. 
Foxglove. 

Ec — (music. Enters L. U. E., with net, chasing im- 
aginary butterfly. Half backing on and looking off 
L. U. E.) I've lost that butterfly! No, there it is. 
(makes pass in air with net — looks back quickly) 
There's the meanest dog in the state of Maine! 

• Bradley enters R. U. E. to C. in gate. 

Ec. — (continues) Where's that butterfly? (makes 
pass with net, suddenly turns R., meets Brad face to 
face in gate) you're not a butterfly! 

Brad — A butterfly of fashion they call me. 

Ec — That's so, Dick Bradley, as I'm alive! (Shakes 
hands). 



10 

Brad — Is the dog dangerous? 

Ec — Worst in the neighborhood, will bite anything 
even me 

Ec — Let me introduce y ou,' 8 Mr. and Mrs. Mayne — 
Mr. Richard Bradley — we were college-mates. (R. C.) 

Brad — (L.of C. Bows.) Quite unnecessary, dear boy 
— the Maynes and I are old friends- (To Ec) And 
what have you been making of yourself since college 
days? 

Ec — Well, I have developed into a geologist, a taxi- 
dermist, an entomologist — and I earn my living as a 
telegraph operator. Just now I'm enjoying a month's 
vacation — boarding here with the Mayne family. 

Eccles — Well, how is it we meet down here in 
Maine — thought you were a New Yorker, too. 
(To C.) 

Brad — I am. But I have just purchased the adjoin- 
ing farm — a beautiful place. In fact, it's only rival 
in picturesque beauty is the Mayne farm here. (To 
L. Cor.) 

Luc — (Scornfully.) I can't imagine this place rival- 
ling anything — but 1he stockyards. (X's to Brad.) 

(X's L. — aside to Brad.) You'll have no chance 
here. Hetty seems happy in no society save that of 
that farmer boy, Jim. 

Brad — ( L. Cor. aside to Luc.) Tom Ma} r ne's 
brother? 

Luc — Yes. 

Brad — So I judged. I noticed them together when 
I arrived. 

Luc — With him again? Where? 

Brad — Out at the haystack — behind the barn. (In- 
dicates off L. U. E.) They were climbing up to the 
top on a step-ladder — and then sliding down the 
stack together. 

Luc — (Angry walk up to gate — C. Calls off L. U. E.) 
Hatty! Hetty! Come here this instant! (In R. of 
gate.) 

Music. 

Hetty — (Enters, running L. U. E. — covered with 
hay. Has large bunch hay in hand.) Oh, Lucretia — 
why did you stop me. 'T was glorious fun! Thehay- 
stack was so slippery — and the hay tickles your nose! 
See? (In gate — pushes bunch hay in Luc's face.) 

Luc — (Sputters and chokes.) Ridiculous! Put down 
that dirty hay and go and speak to Mr. Bradley. 
(Indicates Brad. L. — remains in R. of gate.) 

Het — (Half aside — scowls at Brad.) That horrid 
man here ! 



11 

Luc — (Aside to Het.) And see that you receive him 
with politeness. 

Het— (Slowly down L. to Brad. t,hort and snappy) 
Howdye do ! 

Brad — (Sweetly.) Allow rne to brush the hay from 
your dress. (Flicks hay off her shoulder.) 

Het — Sure! Here's some more you can have ! 

Showers large bunch of hay over Brad. 

Brad — (Angrily.) Quite playful, aren't you? 

Angrily brushes hay from his clothes. 

Het — Yep, I'm a sweet little kitten ! 

Brad, is about to sit on bench, L — she suddenly pulls bench to L. C. — 
Brad, nearly loses his balance. She laughs and sits on R. end of bench 
Brad, is about to sit on bench beside her, she shoves over to L. end of 
bench. 

There's room for only one — and you ain't the one! 

Puts feet up on bench — to R. 

Jim — Enters slowly, L. U E., head down, hand in pocket, pitchfork un- 
der other arm. Luc. is watching Hetty. Jim runs handle of pitchfork 
into Luc. 

Luc — Oh, you clumsy boor! (Jumps back — goes 
down R. above steps.) Hetty, take your feet off that 
bench ! 

Hetty — Does so with a jerk. Remains seated L. end of bench. 

Jim — (Short laugh, outside gate, tries to enter, pitchfork bars the way, 
finally gets through gate and angrily throws pitchfork into barn 
door.L.) 

Abner [Outside, in barn.] — Ouch! Gee whiz! 

Tom [Seated on steps, R] — Jim, come and meet 
Mr. Bradley. 

Jim [Down C, slowly, hands in pockets.] — Hey? 

Luc [Aside to Tom.] — You're not going to annoy 
Mr. Bradley by making him meet that fellow? 

Tom [Rises, aside to Luc] — That "fellow" bears 
the same name as yourself. [Down steps; aloud.] 
Mr. Bradley, this is my brother, Jim. 

Jim [L. to Brad, extends hand.] — How are ve? 

Brad [Looks at Jim's hand, loftily.]— Really, I'd 
rather not shake hands. It is not good form. 

Jim — Oh, don't be skeered — your glove won't dirty 
my hand. [Seizes Brad's hand and shakes it hard.] 

Brad [Jerks hand away.] — Don't be so impulsive! 
You remind me of a young threshing machine. [Dusts 
hand.] 

Jim [Sizes Brad up.] — An' you remind me of a 
striped potato bug! 

Mol — (Down R. of Jim; aside to him.) — Say some- 
thing nice, Jim, make yourself entertaining. 

Jim (Looks around stage from one to the other. 
Pause.) — We had a fine time out at the haystack, 



12 

Hetty and me, a slidin' down the stack — with the 
straw a ticklin' our noses — and our e} T es full of dust 
— an' Hettv's skirts a flvin' round her head — 

All [Together, loudly*]— Jim! 

Jim— (Confused, steps backward, looking from one to 
the other; falls backward over bench, all laugh. He 
rises, rubs himself behind. As if continuing speech.) 
— An' that's the waj 7 we struck the bottom! [Goes up 
L. to fence] 

Mol (To Jim.) — Stupid! You don't know enough 
to come in when it ifeins! [Aside to Eccles R. C] — 
Mr. Foxglove, why don't you introduce me to Mr. 
Bradley? 

Ec — Oh, certainly. Mr. Bradley, this is Miss Mol- 
lie Middlesex, the belle of the country hereabouts. 
[Goes R., sits on steps.] 

Brad [Quickly.] — Yes, no doubt of it; I agree with 
you perfectly. [Xs to C] Mr. Mayne I'd like to look 
over the farm. 

Tom [Down R. C] — Certainly. Come right this 
way. We'll go through the orchard. [Takes Brad's 
arm, they exit together, R. 1 E. Luc goes up R. 1 
E. Looks dumfounded after them.] 

Het [Sits L. end of bench.] — Did you ever get left.-' 

Mol — Yes, I'm left to bile the 'taters for supper. 
(X'sR. to house.) 

Luc — (Down C.) That's right. Stop your gossip 
and go to your work. 

Mol — (Savagely) An' I'd like to bile you in the 
same pot with 'em ! (Exit in house, R.) 

Ec — (On steps to Luc, sweetly) Mrs. Mayne, you 
are 

Luc — (Sweetly) Yes? 

Ec — A lobster? (Exit into house, R., taking net.) 

Luc — (To R.) "A lobster." Wonder if he meant 
my face was red! (Feels of face.) Mr. Foxglove 
is certainly becoming very farm -like in his talk. 

Jim — (Down C.) Yes, ain't he? But don't worry, 
Tom's wife — you'll get so you kin talk plain jest like 
the rest of us when you've been here a while longer. 
(Sits on R. end of bench, L- C. — Hetty on the other 
end.) 

Luc — Oh ! Indeed ! Hetty, come here. 

Hetty rises. Bench tips and spills Jim on stage. He rises. Hetty slowly 
X's to C. 

Luc — Hetty, I'm ashamed of you ! Romping about 
all daj^, and your clothes all soiled. Why don't you 
stay inside? 



13 



Het — (Pouting) Don't want to. 

Jim — (L. C.)Don't scold her, Tom's wife. She's 
been tellin' me how you treat her in the city — making 
her stay in the house and wear clean clothes all the 
time. The sunshine and the dirt here are new to her, 
and it'll do her good. (Sits again on bench.) 

Het — And its fun too ! 

Luc — (To Het) Silence! [To Jim] Andyoungman, 
do you think it does a young lady "good" to allow 
her to slide down a haystack? 

Jim — It couldn't do her any h#rt; there ain't no 
slivers in a haystack. 

Luc — You allowed her to slide down a haystack ! 
Didn't you know any better? 

Jim — Well, ye see, mum, I ain't had much practice 
takin' care o' girls. 

Luc — [Plainly] You allowed her to slide down a 
haystack ! 

Jim — Well, I didn't stop her slidin' ! 

Het— So I slid ! 

Luc — [To Het] Silence! Whereis the handkerchief 
I gave you this morning to keep your neck from get- 
ting freckeled ? 

Het — I loaned it to Jim. 

Jim — [Produces handkerchief from pocket] I bor- 
rved it to wipe the sweat off mv face. Here it is. 
[Gives it to Het.] 

Luc — "Wipe the sweat off!" Oh, horrors ! 

Het — [Extends handkerchief to Luc] Tie it on. 

Luc — Don't touch me with that filthy thing; go 
and get a clean one. And we are obliged to remain 
here until tomorrow, so see that you keep away 
from that vulgar boy ! [Indicates Jim.] 

Het — Oh, I will! [Goes deliberately L., sits on 
R.end of bench; places handkerchief around neck says 
to Jim] Tie it! 

Jim chuckles and ties handkerchief. 

Luc — Ugh ! [Goes angrily up stage.] 

Mol — [Enters from house ; sees Jim] Jim ! 

Jim — Yes'm ! [Rises suddenly — tips Hetty off on 
stage.] 

Luc — [Down R. C] Hetty Kingbridge! How did 
you get down in that dirt! 

Het — I fell down ! [Remains seated on stage.] 

Jim — Kerplunk ! 

Mol— Jim, did you finish milking and did you 
pump water for the cows ? 



14 

Jim — Yep. I've pumped the cows and milked the 
pump dry. 

Mol — Well go and get me that step-ladder, I want 
to brush the cobwebs out of the spare bedroom, and 
bring in the jug o' molasses from the dairy. 

Jim — (up L.) Can't Hetty go with me? 

Mol — Of course she can. 

Luc— (down R. C. to Mol) Well she can't! 

Mol — (to Luc) I'm boss here! Don't giveme any of 
your back talk or I'll scald you. (Exit into house R.) 

Hetty — I'm going with Jim. (rises.) 

Luc — You are not, sit down. 

(Hetty sits quickly on stage again.) 

Luc — I mean, get up! (Hetty rises. To Jim) Go on 
about your work. 

Jim — [in gate] I'll be back in a minute. [Ex L.U.E.] 

Luc — [R. C] I don't want you rambling 'round 
the farm, I'm afraid of that dangerous dog of the 
neighbors'. 

Hetty — [L. C] Pshaw! Jim'd take care of me. 

Luc — Much protection he'd be, he only a bo3', and 
so slow you would be bitten before Jim realized the 
do^ was in the neighborhood. 

Hetty — [up to Luc] Oh no, he wouldn't; I'd run. 
[Tickles Luc's nose with straw.] 

Luc — [strikes her hand down] Stop those tomboy- 
ish actions, [looks R. 1 E.] Here comes Mr. Bradley; 
see that you treat him with respect. 

Hetty — I can't do it. I don't like him. Say, Sister 
Lucretia, if you keep a trying to make me marry 
Bradley, I'll, I'll, 

Luc — Well, you'll what? 

Hetty— I'll do you a dirt. 

Luc — [shocked] Hetty! 

Hetty — Well I will! I don't want to marry him. 
I wish I was a boy. Darn a girl, anyhow. [Goes 
upC] 

Luc — Where are you going? 

Hetty — Going to help Jim carry in that step-ladder. 

Luc — He can carry it himself. 

Hetty — He can't either! You said he was "only a 
boy," and a big step-ladder is too heavy for "only a 
boy." [ExitL. U. E.] 

Luc — [Up L.] Watch out for that dog! [Leans over 
fence, looking off L. U. E.) 

Brad — [enters R. 1 E., followed by Tom talking to- 
gether. Stops R. C. and turns.] And you positively 
refuse to sell me the farm? 



15 

Tom — [R. C] Why. how can I sell it? It was given 
to me only today, am! badly as I need the mone\ r , I 
could not do my old father that injustice, it would 
leave the entire family homeless. 

Brad — Then what do } r ou propose? 

Tom — [Sees Luc] Sch ! There's my wife. Say noth- 
ing to her, wait till after supper, they all retire early, 
and we can discuss the matter alone. [Up on steps] 
Lucretia, I leave Mr. Bradley to your kind offices. 
[Exit in house R.] 

Luc down C. 

Brad — [R. C] Lucretia, why in the name of all 
that is eccentric in woman, did you ever contract 
that foolish marriage? [Indicating Tom's exit.] 

Luc — Foolish marriage? Tom Mayne will some day 
be the most successful lawyer in New York City. I 
am proud of my husband and Hove him. 

Brad — Well, what encouragement is there for me? 

Luc — Take a glance at the haystack, and 3'ou'll see 
your rival again. 

Bradley — My rival the haystack? (Laughs; up C. 
to gate, looks off L. U. E.) 

Luc — Well, that is a rather good description of him. 

Brad — (In gate) What! That stupid farm lad 
again? 

Luc — He had been stupid enough to win her heart, 
nevertheless, while you — 

Brad — (Down L. C.) She will not listen to me. 

Luc — Well. Richard Bradley, if I were the irresistable 
ladies-man they say you are, I should not allow my- 
self to be outwitted by a chit of a girl. 

Brad — After supper, I'll storm the fort once again. 

Luc — Faint heart never won fair lady. Hetty is 
under my direct guardianship — she dare not marry 
without my consent. (X's R. — up on steps ) My 
consent is ready and waiting to her marriage with 
you — and she can learn to love you afterwards. 
(Exit in house, R.) 

Brad — (Up on steps.) A.nd I intend to marry her 
whether she loves me or not — I love her! (Looking 
into house.) If luck will only play into my hands 
tonight, and I succeed in getting this farm — or even 
a mortgage on it — pshaw ! I must ! Tom Mayne 
values the farm highly, but he little knows of the 
hidden wealth that lies under its ground. (Exit in 
house, R.) 

Quartette. 



16 

Kate — Enters L. 2 E., during song, carries 8 milk-pans. Places pans on 
bench, L., up C. to gate, looking off L. U. E. At end of song. 

Kate — The hands are quitting for the night. 

Down L. C, sees churn. 

I declare! I forgot to finish the churning. 

Goes L. 

Ec — [Enters from house, R., to hear Kate's last 
words.] Let me churn it for you, Kate. 

To C, has butterfly net. 

Kate — Why, you can't churn, Eccles. 

Ec — Well, you ought'nt to — you're too pretty. 

Kate — And you really think I'm pretty? 

Ec — Pretty! You look like [Drops net] the devil! 
[Picks up net.] I beg your pardon. 

Kate — Come here and I'll put my apron on you — 
then you may go to work. 

Takes off apron. 

Ex — [L. to Kate. Sets net against churn.] Have 
I got to wear that? 

Kate — You'd better — you're liable to splash some. 
[Tries to tie apron around his waist.] It won't go 
around. 

Kate — [Laughs.] Well, you'd never make a farmer 
any way, you've tried about everything in the line of 
farm work. 

Ec — And made a mess of em all. While you've 
tried only one thing that I could teach you — and 
made of it a howling success. 

Kate — Telegraphy, you mean? 

Ec — Yes, you've learned as much in twenty lessons 
as I did first in fifty. 

Kate — (Suddenly.) Eccles, do you think I could 
hold a position in the city? 

Ec — No doubt of it. With a finishing course and a 
little practice you'dmakeabetter operator than I am. 
(Pause.) Why, you've got no idea of working, have 
you? I thought you were learning only for amuse- 
ment. 

Kate — (Slowly.) Well, in these days of self-sup- 
porting women, you can't blame a girl for being 
ambitious. 

Looks dreamily into milk-pan. 

Ec — (Looking at her.) I envy you your view. 
You're looking at the clearest, sweetest thing on the 
farm. 

Kate — (Absently — without changing position.) 
What? 

Ec — Your reflection in the milk-pan. The girl I love. 



17 

Kate— v Starts— puts down pan— sadly aside.) The 
first time I've looked myself in the face for a month ! 

Pause, taps on milk- pan with steel e id of harness. 

Ec— (Readsher signals.) "A— forbidden— subject." 
(Pause.) I know. You won't let me talk to you of 
love. 

Kate — (Holds up hand warningly.) Ah! 

Ec— I won't say another word. (Turns away 
suddenly.) Kate, I've got one more lesson to give 
you. 

Kate— (In surprise.) What, is it? 

Ec — Answer me on the pan — I'll tap on the churn. 

Produces pencil, taps on churn. 

Kate — Tell me you love me. 

Pause. Then, with sudden determination taps with harness-end on pan. 

Ec — Listens and reads hersignals.) "Yes— I — love 
—you! 
Kate — (Rises quickly.) Now, let me go ! 

Starts to house, R. 

Ec— Quickly seizes net, catches her head, draws her to him, places net 

over his own head also kiss. 

Brad— (Enters from house, R— Sees kiss on steps.) 
Ahem ! 

Kate— Screams. Picks up apron and churn-dasher, goes to churning 
vigorously, without recognizing Brad. 

Ec— (In confusion.) Where's that butterfly? 
(Strikes aimlessly about in air.) There it goes! I'll 
catch it! I'll catch it! 

Exit running, R. U. E., chasing imaginary butterfly. 

Brad [Down steps to C.]— I think he did catch it, 
eh, young lady? 

Kate [Turns to him; suddenly recognizes him.] — 
Dick! 

Brad— Kate! [Looks around stage.] What are 
you doing here? WI13- have you followed me here? 

Kate — I-I live here — Abner Mayne is mv father. 

Brad [R. C.]— My God! That's so! Your name 
was Mayne! 

Kate [To him.] — And had you so soon forgotten it. 
Mayne was my name, when you so cruelly fooled me 
with that marriage— and Heaven help me, Mayne is 
my name still! But, Dick, you've come to do me 
justice, haven't you? You've come to give me the 
name that is rightfully mine — your name, haven't 
you? You've come to make me your wife, haven't 
you? 

Brad [Nervously.]— Be quiet! Be quiet! 



18 

Kate — Answer me, Dick. It is not for myself I 
plead, tho' God knows I am innocent. I thought the 
marriage was square. But, Dick, give my child a 
name, before-before it is too late! [Turns away to 
L., leans on churn, crying, apron in hand.] 

Brad [Aside] — She's devilishly pretty yet! (Aloud) 
Listen, Kate, be reasonable. I want you to go to 
New York. I will give you the money. There I will 
meet you. You shall have your own apartments. 
See. (Takes the apron from her hand.) Here you are 
wearing the apron of drudgery — there you would be 
surrounded b}^ every luxury- 
Kate (Turns fiercely.) — And live a life of shame! 
And not be able to look myself in the face! Here I 
can hardly do it — but I did — only a moment ago! 
Can you? (Snatches up pan, holds it before Brad's 
face.) 

Brad (Tries to look at reflection, fails, turns away, 
toC.) 

Kate [Follows him, pan in hand.] — My answer is 
— this. [Throws pan to stage, L. snatches apron 
and ties it on. Picture.] 

Jim [Outside L. U. E,]— Don't bust that pan, Kate. 

Brad [Quickly, looks over left shoulder.] — Some 
one is coming — your brother! Do you want him to 

KNOW? 

Kate [Shuddering, X's to R. C.]— No! No! [Buries 
face in hands.] 

Brad — Then go! I will see you to-night. [X's to 
R. C] 

Kate [Recovers with an effort, exit in house, R.] 

Het [Enter L. U. E.] 

Brad [R. C, aside, looking after Kate.] — Well! 
Here's a pretty kettle ol fish! 

Brad [To C.]— Ah! Miss Hetty, I understand they 
are to have a country dance this evening. May I 
ask for your hand? 

Het— For the dance? 

Brad — For the dance, and for life, if you will. 

Het — Nope. [Stately.] I am already engaged. 

Brad — For the dance? 

Het — For the dance and for life as well — [aside] — 
if he ever asks me. [Jim enters with ladder, sets it 
up C] [Aloud.] I'm going to dance with Jim. [In- 
dicates Jim, up stage, goes C. to Brad, offers jug.] 
Have some 'lasses? 

Brad [To R. C] — Dance with Jim! [Looks Jim 



19 

over.] The clumsy fool. He doesn't look as tho' he 
could dance. 

Het [C.]— Well, he can! Jim, comehere. [Jim comes 
down L. C.) Jim, you can dance, can't you? 

Jim (L. C, slowly.) — No. 

Brad (Laughs, goes R. cor.) 

Het— Well, you shall dance, I'll teach you! I've got 
a Manual of Dancing in my room. (Gives jug to Jim, 
goes R. on steps.) You take that molasses, and I'll 
get the book and teach you the whole business. (Ex- 
it in house R.) 

Jim — [To C] Say, do you think I'm smart enough 
to learn how to dance? 

Brad — Smart! You don't know enough to go in 
when it rains. [X's L,.] Oh, the sight of you irri- 
tates me. Go in the house. 

Jim — Why so, it ain't raining. You're awful sour. 
Have some 'lasses ? [L. C. offers jug.] 

Brad — See here! I've had enough of your monkey- 
business ! 

Jim — I ain't near as much of a monkey as you be ! 
[Sets jug on stage, L. Sets ladder upright, C] 

Het — [Enters from house, R.; has small book.] 
Now, here is the Dance Instructor. [To C. Sees 
Brad.] Oh, you here yet? Can't you take a hint? 

Brad— I'll go if you wish, Miss Hetty. [Aside to 
her] Alight I have a few minutes private conversa- 
tion with you this evening? 

Het — Not on your lite! You want to propose 
again. I know you! Go and propose to Aunt 
Mollie — she'll marry you! 

Brad — Oh, the devil [Exit angrily, L. 2 E]. 

Het— [L C, calls after Brad] Go and propose to 
the neighbor's dog; he'll snap you up in a minute! 
[Turns to C] Now, Jim, here is the Dance Book. I 
know it all myself, but I want to call off the figures 
in the right order. [L. C, opens book and reads] 
"Quadrille — First, salute your partner." [Bows and 
smiles.] 

Jim— [Looking at Het] Gosh, but vou're pretty! 
I I [Chokes.] 

Het — Well, what else were you going to say? 
[Lays book on bench.] 

Jim — [Swallows with a gulp.] Nuthin'. I can't 
talk. Every timel look at you my heart comes up in 
my throat — its chokin' me now. [Chokes. C] 

Het— [Sits on bench, L. C] Why don't you swal- 
low it? 



20 

Jim — [C] Aiu't got no right to — it don't belong 
to me any more. An' the worst of it is, its gone 
where I can't never get it again. 

Het — Why so ? [Picks up harness.] 

Jim — Well, Tom's wife says I'm too slow. Tom's 
got eddication and Kate's got eddication — the old 
man sent 'em away and paid for their schoolin' — but 
he let me grow up like a weed ! Nobody's ever paid 
any attention to me — nobody but you. [Faces her.] 
You've seemed to kinder like to have me with you. 

Het — [Demurely, faces him, holds up harness.] This 
is a "double" harness, isn't it ? 

Jim — [Slowly.] Yes. 

Het — Well.'' [Pause, slams down harness, rises, 
aside.] What more of a hint could a girl give a man 
than that! 

Jim — [C] Its for the team that's goin' to take 
you away tomorrow mornin'. 

Het — Don't worry; I'll see you again sometime. 
[Picks up book.] 

Jim — [R. of C] I'll never learn how to dance. 

Het — Nonsense! Put this back in your pocket and 
look at it now and then while you're dancing. Just 
follow the book and you won't go wrong. [Gives 
book.] 

Jim — [Takes book, puts it in pocket, leaving both 
hands in pockets.] Just foller the book, eh ? 

Het — Yes. But now you must learn to swing. 

Jim — Ho ! I kin swing all right — there's a swing 
under the apple tree in the orchard. [Hands in pock- 
ets.] 

Het — Come here. [He doesn't move.] Don't stand 
there with your hands in your pockets — put 'em in 
mine. [Extends hands.] 

Jim— [Removes hands from pockets.] In your 
pockets ? 

Het— [Extending hands.] No, in my hands ! Don't 
you understand ? 

Jim — No, I'm so slow. 

Het— [To Jim, C. Takes his hands.] This way. 
Now, put your arm around me, so. [Places Jim's 
left arm around her waist, holds his left hand with 
her left.] 

Jim — (wriggles) Gee Whiz! 

Hetty — Now swing. (Their right hands extended, 
they swing together) Faster! You're slower than 
molasses in January. (They swing faster.) Oh this 
is delicious! (She closes eyes, swinging continues.) 



21 

Ec — (Enter R. II. E., with net. Sees them. Down 
quietly R. of Jim. Puts net over Jim's head and pulls 
him away to R. 

Het — Don't let go oi me! Don't go 'way! (Keeps 
eyes closed.) 

Ec throws down net R. C. Takes Jim's place with Het and continues 
swinging C. 

Het— That's right, faster! (swinging continues.) 

Jim takes jug, goes on top of step-ladder and drinks from jug. 

Het — Why don't you say_, something? (keeps eyes 
closed.) 

(Ec blows nose loudly.) 

Het — Poor fellow! He's crying! [Keeps eyes closed.] 

[Ec shakes with laugter.] 

Het — He's crying awful hard! Don't cry, Jim dear. 
[Places left hand on Ec's mouth; he kisses it.] Much 
obliged. 

Swinging continues; she lets hand pass to under his chin, discovers he 
wears a collar and necktie. Stops swinging; feels of collar. Opens 
eyes, square in his face. Screams, land runs to L., Ec to R. C. : Picture; 

Jim — [Comes from ladder, jug in hand; to Ec down 
C] Well, have you had a good time? 

Ec— Excellent! [x's to Het] But I won't apologize, 
the temptation was too great. 

Het — [L. cor. stately] I can never forgive you, Mr. 
Foxglove. You kissed my hand. 

Ec— [Up L. C, extends hands] Well, you kiss one of 
mine and we'll call it square. 

All enter — L. Bradley 2 E., Abner from barn L., Kate, Molly, Luc, and 
Tom, in order named from house, R. 

Ab— All ready for the dance. I'll call the figgers. 
[Climbs ladder and sits on top. 

Ec, has met Kate, up R. C.,is talking with her, Mol up C, Brad up L.C 

Luc — [DownR.C.'orasideto Tom] Itellyoul won't 
dance with these common country people. 

Tom— [Aside to Luc] The dance is given in our 
honor and we must makeup the set. I insist. My arm, 
[offers arm, she takes it, they go up R. C] 

Brad— [Down L. C] Miss Hetty, will you dance 
with me? Have you reconsidered? 

Het— I have considered that I wouldn't dance with 
you at your funeral. 

Ab— [On ladder] Hello, there's no partner for Mr. 
Bradley. 

Mol— [Down C] Yes, there is, I'll dance with Mr. 
Bradley. [Smirks at Brad.] 

Bradley L,. C. looks Mol., over, deliberately turns back upon her. 

Ec— (Sees bus) Miss Kate, will you kindly release 
me in favor of your aunt? 



22 

Kate — Certainly, Eccles. 

Ec— (Down R. C.) Aunt Mollie, I'd be proud to 
dance with you; will you take my aim? (Offers arm; 
they go up C. together.) 

Bradley x's to Kate. 

Het— [Aside to Jim.] Watch out for yourself now! 
Jim— [Takes book from pocket.] Just follow the 
book and I won't go wrong. 
Ab— [On ladder calls.] Partners for a Quadrille. 

They form for Quadrille. 

Jim dances with Hetty, Eccles dances with Mollie. 

Brad dances with Kate. Tom dances with Lucretia. 

Dance Quadrille 

Jim — During dance continually goes wrong. Leaves book on bench L. 

and frequently runs to it to refer to it. Ad. lib. 

All— [Ad. lib. lines to Jim.] Hurry up ! You're so 
slow ! Etc. 

Ab— [Ad. lib. line.] Look at Bradley— he's as chip- 
per as a bed-bug ! 

At end of Quadrille.— Mollie finishes to kiss. All talk. Ad. lib. Hetty 
takes handkerchief from neck and blindfolds Mollie. All characters 
form circle. Mollie chases Eccles continually going toward him and 
he moving out of the way. She finallv catches Brad and kisses him. 
All laugh. After next dance Hetty finishes to kiss. Is blindfolded and 
moves about stage. Eccles keeps trying to get in the way and get 
kissed. She always turns away just as she reaches Eccles. She finally 
finds Jim, L. C. tears off handkerchief and holds out hands to Jim. 

Luc — [R. C] Hetty, don't you dare let him kiss 
you! 

Ab— [On ladder.] Kiss her, Jim ! 

Jim— [Hesitates-book in hand.] Is it in the book? 

Het— Stupid! Kiss me! [Extends )hands.] 

Jim— [Swings Hattie around in embrace and kisses 
her.] 

Luc— Oh ! [Starts angrily for Jim, is held back by 
Tom and Eccles, R. C] 

Jim — [Holding Hettie in embrace — looks over 
right shoulder at Luc] Don't git jealous, mum— I'll 
kiss you next ! 

CURTAIN. 



ACT II. 



SCENE PLOT. 



Kitchen in 3 

Door Flat C. 

Doors R. & L. 3 

Window in flat R- 

(Make set homelike.) 

"PROPS." 

Clock— against flat R C. 

Cupboard — down right. 

Table and two chairs, L. C. 

Chair, R. C. 

Harness from first act — on table L. 

Slate with pencil attached by string ) Q cuoboard R 

Lamp to light and matches 5 U cu P Doara K - 

Pen and ink ? In ct , pb oard R. 

Pistol 5 

Bell inside clock. 

ISST™ U r s°t m act} Ready outside CD. L. 

Pair ladies' rubbers — Ready R. 3 E. 

Pan of onions I Ready L. 3 E. 

Case knife ( 

Brad's hat up stage — on clock — at rise. 

Legal paper — Tom. 

First Act handkerchief — Hetty. 

Stones — Jim. 

Matches — Brad . 



Ab— (discovered seated R. of table L., working on 
harness) Jim, what you doin. 

Jim— (discovered seated R. working on slate) Do- 
in' my figgerin' lesson, dad. 

Ab — You leave figgerin' to Tom. Go out and git 
that bench, I want to spread this harness out to dry 
after I oil it. (Works on harness. Pause) An' hurry 



up 



Jim — (Rises, wets hand and rubs off slate; places it 
on cupboard R. Aside. Going up C.) No use! They 
won't let me learn nothin'. I couldn't git smart if 
I wanted to. (Exit CD.) 

He f— (Enter L. 3 E. Down C.) Uncle Abner, Aunt 
Mollie says to hurry up with the chores, it'll soon be 
dark. (Lights lamp on cupboard.) 

Ab — It'll never be dark while you are here, Hetty. 
You've been the sunshine of the house and now you're 
goin' back to New York in the morning and that's 
why I'm fixin' this harness; to take ye to town. 
(Works on harness). 

Het— (Goes L. C. sits on stage at Ab's feet.) Seems 
to me you work awful hard, uncle. 

Ab— It's all for Tom. Think, child, it's the first 



24 

time he's been home in five years and all I kin do 
ain't half enough for him. Why Hetty I jest like to 
set and look at my Tom and then the first thing I 
know I'm cryin' — I'm so proud of my boy! 

Het — Well, if I had a father like you, I wouldn't 
have let five years pass by without coming to see him. 

Ab — Wall, it's quite a distance from New York to 
Maine. 

Het — The distance wouldn't have been too great 
for Jim — he'd have visited you oftener than once in 
five years. 

Ab— Jim! why he isn't to be spoke of in the same 
breath with Tom. 

Het — Well, remember he's only a kid. 

Ab— (Rises harness in hand) Dy'e mean I'm an old 
billy goat? 

Het— [Rises] That's what you are! 

Ab — [Half angry] Hey? 

Het — [Up to Ab. Puts arm around him] And the 
dearest, sweetest, kindest old Billy Goat that ever 
happened. [Tickles his chin.] 

Ab — "Ever happened!" [Pleased.] Hear the gal 
talk — as if I was an accident! I didn't happen — I 
was born! 

Luc — [Outside, R. 3 E.] Remain here, Tom — I 
wish to speak to Mr. Bradley alone. 

Ab — Thar's Tom's wife — a cacklin' again! 

Luc— [Enter R. 3 E.— followed by Brad. Down R. 
C. Brad, to C] Oh, this day has been a year! The 
last day among these hoodlums [Sees Het. and Ab.] 
Mr Mavne! 

Ab— Hey? 

Luc — We wish to be alone — we have some private 
matters. 

Ab— Hev? 

Luc — To discuss. 

Ab — Cuss ahead! I won't mind it! 

Het— [Aside to Ab.] Guess you'd better go! [To 
C. Aloud.] My sister is afraid your presence will 
contaminate her. 

Ab— I'll go. I'll finish mendin' the harness out in 
the yard. Come out after bit, Hetty — and you kin 
see me feed the old hens and put the little chickens to 
bed. [To L. Cor. Looks back at Luc. Aside.] I'd 
like to feed that old hen on some Paris Green! I bet 
I'd stop her cacklin'! (Exit L. 1 E.,takingharness.) 

Het — [Up L. C. Looks Brad, over.] And I guess 



25 

I'll go too, I'm not stuck on getting contaminated 
myself. (Starts to L. IE.) 

Luc— [Sharply.] Hetty, remain here! 

Het— [Stops L.] Darn it! 

Luc— Hetty, you know it is my dearest wish to see 
you the wife of Mr. Bradley— 

Het— [Looks over shoulder at Brad.] Stupid! 

Luc— All men are stupid— as a rule. [Up to R. 3 E.] 
Richard, see if you can break that rule, and be en- 
tertaining. (Exit R. 3 E.) 

Brad — [Half aside.] I could not choose a more en- 
tertaining subject than myself. [To L. C. aloud.] 
Hetty, I've been reckless— profligate— but since I've 
known you, I am a changed man. I love — 

Het— [Stilled.] Mr. Bradley, this subject is verv 
annoying to me, and I beg that you will ring off. 

Brad — Take time to consider. Your sister — 

Het— My sister hasn't got any string on my heart. 

Brad — And you positively refuse to marry me? 

Het— Marry you? Not it you were the only male, 
marriageable thing in the world! I-I'd be a Rough 
Rider in the Salvation Army first! We-we can only 
be friends. 

Half timidly extends hand. 
Brad— (Pause. Looks at her hand: X's L. without taking it.) 
Het— (L. Below table. Drops hand.) 
Brad — (Reconsiders, funis R. and offers hand to Het.) 
He t— (Turns up nose at Brad. Ignores hand. Sits R. of table, L.) 

Brad— [L. of Hetty— before table.] But, think, 
Hetty— of all the trouble I've taken to fall in love 
with vou! 

Het— Eh? 

Brad — I mean, to gain your love. 

(Drops on knee beside her — and below table.) 

Het — (Looks disgustedly at him.) Don't sprawl 
all over the floor like a turtle— get up and talk like a 
man. 

Brad — And will you listen? 

( Tries to take her hand.) 

Het— (Jerks away.) Oh! go 'way and let me alone! 
Brad— (Still on knee.) You have no heart. 
Het— Yes I have— and it's all busting up in pieces! 

(She cries.) 

Brad— (Rises. To R. of Het. Bends over her.) Hetty- 

Het — (Looks up in his face — sniffles — wipes her eyes on his necktieT 
Brad -(Impatiently jerks necktie away — X's to R. C.) 

Het— [Rises.] Well, you're cheeky ! I was only 
wiping my eyes. Good day. I'm going to walk off 
my mad. 

Kate— [Enters CD., carries milk pans. Remains 
up C, watching scene.] 

Brad— (R. C.) May Inot go with you? 



26 

Het — You stay where you are ! I'm going 1 to find 
Jim. He'd let me wipe my eyes in his necktie — if he 
wore one. He'd let me wipe my eyes on his shirt — if 
I wanted to ! (Exit L. IE) 

Kate — (Down L. C.) She is not the susceptible 
country girl I was, is she? 

Brad — Spying, eh ? 

Kate — I was admiring your successful love-making. 
(Places pans on table, L.) 

Brad — (Cooly.) Guess I didn't have sufficient prac- 
tice with you, my dear. Probably because I never 
really loved you. (X's L.) 

Kate— ( C . ) 1 hen you lied ! 

Brad — (L.) Correct; I lied. 

Kate — (Plainly.) You lied ! I don't know what 
estimate you put on your character, but down here 
in the State of Maine we call a liar the meanest thing 
on the top of the earth! (To R. C. turns.) I ask 
you — square — will you make me your wife? 

Brad — I'm afraid not. You can hardly ask me to 
trust my honor to a woman that is not able to pro- 
tect her own. 

Kate— "Your honor!" (Pause.) [f there was no 
such honor in men like you, Bradley, there would be 
no dishonored women like me ! You lied to me about 
our wedding — you lied when you told me you loved 
me. A girl brought up in the country was only a 
plaything — a pastime for you. She wasn't good 
enough to be your wife — but she was good enough 
to- — God help all women tempted as I was. 
(Turns R , leans on cupboard.) 

Brad — (To L. C.) I've told you what I would do — 
set you up in an establishment in New York. You 
may accept or refuse, as you please. (Yawns.) 
These cat-and-dog-conversationsarenot particularly 
agreeable to me, so I'll bid you good night ! (Starts 
upR) 

Kate — Stop! I don't want your charity; I have 
studied telegraphy, I can earn my living. My love 
for you has long been dead — all I want is justice ! 
(Suddenly sees slate on cupboard, takes it and 
writes.) "Mrs. Richard Bradley." (Turns to Brad.) 
For the last time will you give me that name — the 
name that belongs to me by right. (Gives slate.) 

Brad — |Reads, looking at slate, "Mrs. Richard Brad- 
ley." Um! As there was no marriage certificate I 
think I'll rub out that "Mrs." |Does so, and tosses 
slate, name face up on table L.J 



27 

Kate — I appreciate your answer. And now I'm 
going to spoil vour love-affair with Miss Hetty 
mighty quick ! (To R. of C.) 

Brad — And how, pray? 

Kate — I am going to show her your letters ! 

Brad— (Staggered.) My letters! You have not 
kept them ? (To L. of C.) 

Kate — Every one — locked in my desk in my room. 

Brad — And where is your room ? 

Kate — Next door to Mr. Foxglove's (Suddenly 

stops.) 

Brad — (Smiles.) Ah ha ! Didn't mean to tell me 
that, did you? 

Kate — Why not ? You cannot get them. 

Brad — Nor do I intend to try — because you will 
give them to me. 

Kate — (Turns away, R. C.) I will not! 

Brad — (Over her shoulder.) Oh, I think you will. 
Those letters deal with a subject you want kept 
secret from your family. You dare not expose them ! 

Kate — (Turns to him.) And in several of those let- 
ters you call me "your wife" — and in the sight of 
man I am not your wife, in God's sight I am ! I need 
those letters to justify myself in the eyes of man. 
You shall not have them ! 

Brad — "The eyes of man," eh ? (Sneeringly.) The 
eyes of one man particularly. I observed your fond 
kisses this evening. Does your new flame resemble 
in character my handsome self? 

Kate — (Goes up R.) About as much as the charac- 
ter of the lion resembles the character of the pole- 
cat. (ExitR. 3E) 

Brad — | Looking after her| I must have those let- 
ters! They would not only spoil all my chances with 
Hetty, but would ruin my prospects of getting pos- 
session ol the farm. The room next to Foxglove's, she 
said. I must have them, and I'll get them before this 
night's over! |Starts up to C. D.| 

Het (Enters C. D. L., meets Brad, turns tip her nose at him, goes 

down R.) 
Jim (Follows Hetty on C. D., Carries bench in Arms. Remains up C.) 

Brad (Up R. of C, does not notice Jim.) — Good 
evening, Hetty. (Bows.) 

Het (Stilted.) — Good evening, Mr. Bradley. (Bows). 

Brad (Bows, jeeringly.) — I begyour pardon. [Bows 
again, stepping backward.) Miss Hetty! 

Jim — Quietly places bench up C. directly behind Brad. 

Brad — Continues bowing and stepping backward. Falls backward 

over bench. 



28 

Het— (X's L.) Bradley's taken a tumble to him- 
self at lc.Gt. 

Brad — (Rises, up R. of C, to Jim, angrily.) Did 
you put that bench there in my way? 

Jim — (Up L. of C.) Why don't you walk front- 
wards like other people, then you kin see where 
you're goin'. 

Brad — Bah! (Snaps fingers in Jim's face.,) 

Jim — Keep yer fingers out of my eye or I'll bite it 
off! 

Brad— (To R. 3 E.I Bah! (Exit R. 3 E.) 

Jim — That's what the sheep said — Ba-a-a-a-a! 

(Picks up bench, brings it down L. C.) 

Het — That's right. Now sit down. (Sits on L. 
end of bench.) 

Jim — (C.) Yep, if we set clost together. I don't 
want no more settin' on the end. 

Het shoves up to middle of bench. 
Jim — Sits beside and R. of her on bench. 'I hey both shove up close to- 
gether. Jim sighs blissfully. 

Het— Jim, what s in the world have you got in your 
pockets? | PI aces hand in his k ft coat pocket, pulls 
out two stones| . Rocks! 

Jim — [Takes rocks.] I keep 'em handy to fire at 
the neighbor's dog if he comes in the yard. (Pockets 
rocks again.) Hetty, you want to look out for that 
dog, he's mighty mean. Better not go outside unless 
somebody's with you. 

Het — We go in the morning. The dog can't bite 
me in New York. 

Jim — (Aside.) There'll be another dog in New 
York that's jest as mean and his name is Bradley. 
(Aloud.) How I wisht you was goin' to stay. 

Het — I had an offer of marriage to day. 

Jim — Well, who in Sam Hill wants to marry you? 

Het — (Rises, indignantly.) Well, hear that! I 
guess I'm in the marriage market, aint I? I expect 
to have lots of offers. It doesn't take some people 
so long to propose as it takes some other people. 

(Meaningly, L.) 

Jim — Do you love him? (Rises, slowly.) 
Het — (Demurely.) I love somebody. 
Jim— Who? 

Het — Why, you don't expect me to tell you, do 
you? | Jim turns away to C sadly. | 

Het— (Picks up slate from table.) What's this? 
| Does not notice writing on slate. | 

Jim — (Turns.) That's the slate I do my figgerin'- 
lessons on. 



29 

Het— With sudden thought, aside.) I'll write it, 
his name— "Jim Mayne." He's so slow he'll never 
propose. (Starts to write, sees name, starts.) Rich- 
ard Bradley. 

Jim— | To Het's side, quickly, L., also reads narae.| 
"Richard Bradley!" Oh, Hetty, don't say you love 
him — don't say you're goin' to marry him — 

Het — My sister says I must, and she's my guardian. 

Jim— | Blurts out. | Why, I'd sooner marry you my- 
self! 

Het — |Turns to him eagerly. | Yes? 

Jim — Only I am too slow. 

Het — | Turns away, disgusted. | Oh! 

Jim— Hetty, rub out that name, and put down the 
name — | Pauses. | 

Het — | Turns to him again. | Yes? 

Jim — The name of the feller you love. 

Het — | Slowly. I — I can't! That name stands be- 
tween me and the boy I love, the boy who loves me- 
But its no use rubbing it off the slate, I can't rub it 
out of my life. 

Jim— I'll rub it out! | Licks hand, starts L. to Het | 

Het— ! Holds him back.| No, let it stay. Someday 
|X's R. turns and looks at Jim |, some day I'll rub it 
out myself. | Places slate on cupboard, name to 
wall. Dog growls and barks furiously, R. U. E.| 

Jim — Thar's that durn dog o' the neighbors again. 
(Rushes up to C. D., taking stones from pocket) 
Chasin' the chickens again, I'll bet! (In C. D. looks 
off R ) No, he's chasin' Mr. Foxglove! |Throws 
three stones off R.| 

Eccles— (Outside — after 3rd stone, R. U. E.) Ouch! 
Don't throw at me — throw at the dog? | Passes 
window, | 

Jim — (Down L. C, laughing.) I wasn't sure which 
was which. 

Ec — (Enter C. D. R., has stone in hand, feet very 
muddy, down C.) If I hadn't caught this last stone, 
I'd be shy the top of my head now ! I'm quite a ball- 
player. (Tosses stone into air and catches it, sud- 
denly examines stone, aside Xing to R. Cor.) What 
the dickens is this ! [Examines stone further.] 

Het — (R. C.) Look at the mud on your feet. 

Ec— (Glances down at feet.) Got it in the barn- 
yard. There's a little baby-lamb out there. 

Het — A baby-lamb ! Oh, I want to see it ! | Claps 
hands and dances, eagerly. | 



30 

Ec — Put on your rubbers and I'll take you out. 
|Pockets stone. | 

Het — I'll get 'em in a minute. |Exit quickly, R. 3 E.| 

Jim — (L. C. calls after her.} Look ont for the dog. 

Ec — (Looking at shoes.) Another visit to that 
barn-yard and my shoes '11 be ruined ! 

Jim — There's my rubber-boots there. (Indicates up 
L. C.) You kin wear 'em if you take good care o' 
Hetty. 

Ec — (Up L. quickly.) Thanks, awfully, my boy. 
(Gets boots, goes down L.) I'll take as good care of 
her as tho' she were my sweetheart. |Sits L.j 

Jim — (C.) But she ain't your sweetheart, is she? 

Ec — (Taking off shoes.) Certainly not. Why, they 
say you and she are going to make a match of it. 

Jim — I reckon I'd like to, but I ain't got the nerve 
to ask her. (Suddenly.) Say, you kin spark, can't 
ye? 

Ec— Do what? 

Jim — Spark. Make love to a girl. 

Ec— Well, rather ! 

Jim — Say, you ask her to marry you. 

Ec— Eh? 

Jim — For me. Git her to say, "yes" — then tell her 
you've sparkin' for me. 

Ec — (Has removed shoes. Rises in stocking-feet.) 
I'll do it ! jHetty speaks on side R. 3 C.| 

Jim — (Looks off R. 3 E.) She's comin' back. 

Ec— (Up L. C.) Get out of sight and I'll do it right 
away. 

Jim — I'll hide (Looks around) in the clock! (Opens 
clock. door.) I've hid here before, lots o' times. 
(Starts into clock. Turns.) But don't you kiss her! 

Ec — If she says "yes," I'll have to kiss her for you. 

Jim — Well, only onct then. 

Ec — Look out! | Points off, R. 3 E. Jim looks off 
R. 3 E. Dodges quickly into clock and closes door.| 

Het— [Enters R. 3 E., carrying rubbers.] I've got 
'em. [Up C, holds up rubbers.] Put 'em on for me. 

Ec — [Picks up rubber boots, L., up C, takes chair 
and places it up C, behind chair.] Certainly. Sit 
down. 

Het — |Sits and gives rubbers to Ec.| Hurry up. 

Ec — | Takes rubbers, drops on one knee, R. ol Het.| 
Would that I might forever remain here — at thy 
feet ! 

Jim — |Sticks head out of clock. | You'll want a 
pair o' knee-pads ! 



31 

Re— | Aside to Jim.| Get back! |Swings boot at 
Jim. Jim retires into clock. | 

Het — | Sticks out foot | Hurry up. 

Ec — |Is looking into Het's face, absently puts rub- 
ber boot on her foot. | Will } r ou be my wife? 

Jim— |Sticks head out of clock. | My wife! |Ec 
rises, pushes Jim's head back into the clock. | 

Het — | Sticks out other foot.| Hurry up! 

Ec— | Kneels again, puts other rubber boot halt on 
her foot, looking into her face as before. | My love 
passeth the understanding of man. 

Jim — | Sticks head out of clock. | Here's a boy that 
understands it all right! |Ec rises, makes threaten- 
ing move at Jim with rubber. Jim dodges quickly 
back into clock, slamming door. | 

Ec — [To Het.] Won't you give me just one sweet 
kiss? 

Het — [Sticks out foot, holdiag up face.] Hurry up! 
(Ec kisses her loudly Jim strikes clock-bell once.| 

Ec — Another ! [Kisses Het. again loudly.] 

Jim — Strikes clock-bell twice. 

Ec — Kisses Hetty several times, loudly and rapidly. 

Jim — Strikes clock-bell rapidly. 

Ec — Down R. Cor. laughing. Still retain rubbers 

Het — Pulls on boot and goes up L. C. looking half frightened at clock. 

Jim — [Enters from clock. L. cor.] One o'clock, time 
to go to bed ! 

Ec — [L. Cor. Produces stone from pocket.] It's 
mica — I'm dead sure of it. | Brad enters R.3 E. Re- 
mains up C. watching Ec.j 

Ec — (Takes small hammer from pocket, chips off 
piece of the stone.) Genuine hydomagnesite, sure 
enough. This farm is worth a million and they don't 
know it. (Pause.) This is the chance for Jim; Tom 
has made his pile. Well I'm not a geologist for 
nothing; I'll take it to my room and analyze it. 
(Puts stone and hammer in pocket, starting to R. 3 
E. Meets Brad. C) 

Brad — Where are you going? 

Ec — (x's R.) Don't know that's any of yourpartic- 
ticular business, Dickie. (Turns) but if you must 
know, I'm going to get a pair of shoes. 

Sticks stocking foot up at Brad. Exit R. 3 E. 

Brad — (Looks after Ec) He has discovered the mica 
on the farm! I must work quickly, before Tom learns 
of it. (Down L. C.) Tonight, I must get those let- 
ters from Kate's room. (Laughs) My visit here will 
kill two birds with one stone. 



32 

Tom — (Enters R. 3 E. paper in hand down R. C.) 
Here is the paper, I will sign it in your presence. 

Gets pen and ink from cupboard R. x's to L. to table. Sits L. of table 
and writes signature. Then gives paper to Brad. 

Brad — (L. C. Leans over table aud watches Tom 
sign. Then takes paperjand reads aloud) "June 24th, 
1898. Received of Richard Bradley, the sum of 
$10,000, to be repaid in full six months from date. 
In default of which payment, I agree on that day, 
December 24th, 1898, to make over by Bill of Sale, 
for value received, to said Richard Bradley, the 140 
acre farm, including house, barn and other buildings, 
known as the "Mayne Homestead;" signed, Thomas 
Mayne, (pause looks at Tom, fluttering paper 
questioningly,) you insist upon giving me this. 

Tom — (seated, L. of table, L.) It is only right 
that you should be protected, Bradley. I intend to 
invest this money in the oil country of Pennsylvania. 
You know I have been more than successful in my 
new law-practice, but the money comes in far too 
slowly. I must have more to maintain the position 
1 have attained in New York and I must have it 
quickly. Others have sunk wells and struck a 
fortune in a day, why should not I. 

Brad— (to C. U.) But will six months be sufficient 
time." 

Tom — (rises ample looks up stage.) It is now ten 
o'clock. On December 24th, at ten in the evening, 
by that clock, you shall have your money. 

Brad— (L. to table, produces roll of bills.) On 
December 24th., at ten in the evening, by that clock, 
I will expect my money. (^ Gives bills to Tom.) 

Tom — Now, all I ask is that this matter be kept 
entirely secret from the family and from my wife, 
(pockets bills, L. C.) 

Brad — Oh, certainly, (x's to L. cor., paper in 
hand.) But should not this document be witnessed? 

Jim — Enter C. D. L., carrying 1st. act milk pans, down L,. C. 

Tom — (Down L. to Brad.) By all means, if you 
wish it. (Takes paper.) Tho' where my name is 
written, there stands my honor. But 'twill make it 
more binding. (Sees Jim.) Here Jim, just put your 
name here. (R. of table, L. folds paper so Jim 
cannot read it, lays paper on table writes one word 
and offers pen to Jim.) 

Jim — To [L. Cor., drops pans on Brad's feet.] 
What is it? 

Brad — You clums}' boor! 



33 

Jim — Always gettin in my way, aint ye. [To 
table. J What's the paper? [Starts to pick up 
papers.] 

Tom — [Places hand on paper] . Never mind. It's 
a legal matter, you're only a bo}' and you wouldn't 
understand it. You know that's my signature, 
don't you? ^Points to paper.] 

Jim — (Looks at paper.] Yep. 

Tom — Then just write your name in the other 
corner, under "witness." 

Retains hand on paper. Jim — Wirtes name laboriously. 

Tom — (To Brad.) One witness will be sufficient. 

Brad. — |L. Cor.| I presume so, I have no head 
for business. 

Jim — | Finishes writing and throws down pen.| 
Nope, you've got a head like a turnip! 

Tom— |Hands paper to Brad.| There you are. 
| Goes R.| 

Mol — | Enter C. D. L.| That dog of the neighbors' 
is hangin 'round the barnyard again, up to some 
deviltry, I'll be bound. |Down C. sees pans.| Well, 
Jim Mayne; If you aint dropped them pans in the 
dirt again. |x's L. picks up pans, piles them on 
bench, L. C.j You know less than that new 
born lamb! Now, see if you kin knock 'em down 
again!" | Goes up R. C.| 

Dog growls and barks furiously outside, K. U. E. 
Het Screams outside. R. U. E. 

Mol. — | Rushes to window, up R. leans out looking 
offR. U. E.| It's that pesky dog! He's got Hetty 
in the corner of the fence, he's going to bite her! 

Growling, screaming, etc., continue. 

Jim — | Down L. yells | Hetty. | Clears bench with 
abound. Rushes oft C. D. R., yelling. | Keep him 
off, Hetty I'm comin. 

Tom— I'm with vou, Jim. (Rushes off C. D. R. after 
Jim.) 

Enter together — Ec R. 3 E., now wears shoes; Luc, R. 3. E.; Kate, R. 3 
E.; Ab, C. D. L., remains L. of C. D. looking off R. 

Mol — (Leaning out of window) Jim's jumped the 
fence, (growling continues) He's there! he's got the 
dog by the throat! 

Jim (outside, after sound of dog, choking; in dis- 
tance) Damn you to hell! 

Mol — Gracious! He's bitten Jim's hand. Tom beats 
him off! (Dogs growling diminishes in sound as if 
running away.) Here they come (down L. C.) My, 
but that boy is brave! 

Brad — |L. cor. sneeringly| Brave? Why, any boy 
can fight a dog. 



34 

Mol— | to Brad | Well, there's a boy here about your 
size, what's the matter with you? 

Jim, Hetty, and Tom pass window, enter C. D. R.— Jim carrying Hetty 
down R. C, seats her in chair; goes L. C. his right hand torn and 
bleeding. 

Tom enters after Jim and Hetty; down R. C. 

Luc — | behind Het| Are you hurt, dear? 

Het — j breathlessly | Not a bit. But look at Jim's 
hand! 

Mol — |down C| Oh J/m, let me tie it up. 

Jim — jx's R., showing right hand plainty to aud- 
ience| Let it alone, its all right. |Up to window R., 
leans out, looking offR. U. E.| 

Ab— |downC.| Well, it's time to get to bed. |Talks 
to Mol. | 

Brad — And I must say good-night. |x's up C , gets 
hat; turns in C. D.| Good night all. 

Luc, Tom and A1d — |together| Good night. 

Ec, Mol and Jim ignore Brad, turning backs. 

Brad — |in C. D. aside| They'll soon be asleep. I'll 
come back and get those letters. The room next to 
Foxglove's she said. |GlancesR.at Kate, ex C. D. L.| 

Kate — |R C. with Ec; aside to him| You really 
think I could hold a position as a telegraph operator? 

Ec — | aside to Kate| Sure. But why do you think 
of such a thing, when I offer you — 

Kate — |holds up hands| Sch! I have a confession to 
make tonight and I don't know what may happen. 
Goodnight. |Goes down C.| 

Ab— |upC.| I've got to git in that harness. I jest 
oiled it and I don't want to leave it out in the wet. 

Kate— I'll go with you father. | Exit CD. L. withAb. 

Ec up R. at window, talking to Jim. 

Mol— Good night folks. [Exit R. 3 E.| 

Luc — Come, Hetty, it is time we retired. |Up R. with 
Tom. | 

Het — |still seated R. C.| I want to rest here a little 
bit longer, I'm so nervous. 

Tom— |up R. with Luc.| Don't be long. |Exit R. 3 
E. with Luc. | 

| Hetty looks over shoulder to see if they are gone; 
rises and x's L.| Jim! |Sits R. ol table, L. without 
looking up stage at Ec and Jim. 

Ec|aside to Jim, giving stone| Now don't you say a 
word to anybody about it until I'm sure, but get some 
more specimens like this, find out how many acres of 
these stones are to be found on — then come to me in 
NewYork and we'll see. 



35 

Jim — aside to Ec| I understands. | Pockets stone. | 

Het— looks up R. at them; rises | Jim! 

Ec | looks at Het and Jim alternately; smiles ;| Oh I 
beg your pardon. Good night. |Exit R. 3 E.| 

Jim — |down L. C.| What you want? 

Het— Hold out your hand. |Jim, right of Hetty, 
extends left hand | 

Het — The other one! 

Jim — What for? 

Het— Hold out your other hand! | Stamps foot.| 

Jim meeidy extends right hand. 

Het— | takes hdkf from neck| That poor hand, all 
torn and bleeding. |Ties hdkf around it. ( 

Jim— I wouldn't let nobody else touch it, would I? 

Het— Thats right. | tying knotj Does it hurt? 

Jim— Tie it tighter. |Puts his left arm around her.| 

Het— Tighter. 

Jim— | Squeezing her she tying knot| Tighter. 

Het— You told me to look out for the dog and I 
didn't mind you. |Half crying| And this poor hand 
was hurt in protecting the girl who disobeyed you. 
|Fondling his hand.| 

Jim— I wish you'd let that hand take care of you 
always. 

Het— I might Jim — 

Jim — Yes? 

Het — I might love you — I could — but — 

Jim— But— ? 

Het— |points R. to cupboard|. The name on the 
slate! 

Jim— |hoarsely| Oh, tie it tighter! 

Het bends over, kisses his bandaged hand, goes up R C. 

Jim— | Looks at hand| I reckon it's tied pretty 
tight now! |R. to cupboard, gets pistol, up to C. D.| 
Good-night, Hetty. 

Het— Where are you going? 

Jim— I'm goin' to shoot that pesky dog. |Exit C. 
D. R. stops at window. | Good night. 

Het— | In R. 3 E.| Hurry back and I'll get Tom and 
Eccles and we'll sing you to sleep. Good night. 

Exit R. 3 E. 

Jim — Good night. 

Exit to R. 
Enter Abner C. D. Iv. Harness in hand, followed by Kate. Down L. C. 

Abner— I-I don't understand ye, Kate. 

Kate— | Down C, humble and downcast| It-it is a 
letter I got from-from a girl. I-I met her at school. 
She-she is about— to— become— a mother. 



36 

Ab — |Puts harness on table L.| Husband dead and 
aint got no money, I reckon — eh? 

Kate — She— she never had a husband. | Quartette. | 

Ab — |slowly| Now I understand. |Pause| Why 
did she write to you? 

Kate — She fears her father will turn her away when 
—when he learns the truth. 

Ab — |strong| And so he should! The dishonor of a 
daughter is the one crime no father can forgive! 

Kate — But the crime was not hers. 

Ab — As much hers as hisn— whoever he may be. 
Kate, them kind o' letters aint for you to read. For- 
git all about it. |x's R.| "Blessed are the pure in 
heart," that's what the Scripturs says and I believe 
'em, and it means the body as well as the heart. For- 
git her, Kate, and put out the light and come to bed. 
| Up toR. 3E.| 

Kate — |appealingly| Then-then you think her 
father — couldn't — forgive her? 

Ab — Forgive! He should turn her out o' his house 
and deny that he ever had a daughter. |Exit R. 3 E.| 

Kate — |repeats| "Turn her out of his house." I'll 
not wait for that, I'll go. I can't much longer con- 
ceal the truth. Dick won't marry me. I can earn 
my living at telegraphy, Eccles says. | Pause.] They're 
all asleep, I'll go now tonight! |Up to C. D. looks 
toward R. 3 E.| Good-bye father, Jim, Tom, Eccles! 
| Opens CD. Meets Jim|. 

Jim — |Appears in C. D., pistol in hand| Hello, Kate 
whar ye goin' this time o' night? |Up R. C.| 

Kate — |In C. D.| I-I am going to pray. Good-bye. 

Jim — | In surprise| Good bye? 

Kate — I mean good night. |Exit C. D. L.| 

Jim — Kate's acting mighty sad lately. |Down R., 
turns down lamp, over L. C.| Couldn't find that 
pesky dog. | Tosses pistol on table L.| I kinder like 
that dog after all, if he hadn't bit me, she wouldn't 
a' tied up my hand. |Sits R. of table L., looking at 
hand. | Dear Hetty! if it wasn't— wasn't for the name 
on the slate! 

Leans head on arms on table, as if asleep. 
Brad appears at window, looks in cautiously, is disguised with beard. 

Brad — Fortune favors me, just passed Kate out- 
side. She didn't see me but I saw her. | Enter C. D. 
R.| Now is my chance to get those letters. The 
room next to Foxglove's, she said. If I'm caught 
and recognized I can easily plead my acquaintance 
with Foxglove as a plausible excuse. |Down C.| 



37 

But I don't know where Foxglove's room is. If I 
can find a candle— | Goes L , lighting match, stumbles 
against Jim. | 

Jim — | Rises as if suddenly awakened | What in 
thunder — 

Brad — |Snatches up pistol, dropping match, pres- 
ents pistol at Jim's head.| Not a word-on your life. 
| Disguised voice | 

Jim — Has mouth open. Cocks eyes around at pistol. Shuts mouth 
with a snap, facing audience. 

Brad — Sit down and don't you dare to call out! 
| Pistol Bus. | 

Jim— Slowly sits R. of Table L. 

Brad— | Keeps pistol leveled. | You — You've never 
seen my face before, have you ? 

Jim — Nop. I ain't never been to the penitentiary. 

Brad— Where's all the rest of the folks ? 

Jim — All gone to roost. Say, what do you want. 

Brad— I want you to keep quiet ! 

Jim — | Rises. | 

Brad — | Forces Jim back in chair. | And sit still. 
[Sees harness. | I'll keep you quiet! |Ties Jim's hands 
and feet with harness-bands behind him. I Get down 
here! | Lifts Jim from chair, drags him to R., lays 
him on back, on floor R. C.| Now I guess you won't 
get up, with your hands tied behind you, and your 
feet strapped together. | Kneels above Jim.| 

Jim— You must be a reg'lar burglar? 

Brad— I am ! Where is Foxglove's room ? 

Jim — What dy'e want to know for i 

Brad— Never mind! Tell me how lean find his 
room— quick ! | Presents pistol again. | 

Jim— Go down the hall, turn to your right, second 
door, left hand side. 

Brad— And that is Eccles' room ? | Rises. | 

Jim— That is Eccles' room. |Turnsfaceto audience. 
Aside. | That's Aunt Mollie's room. 

Brad— Now while I'm gone, you're not to yell, or 
make anv noise, d'ye hear? 

Jim— The minute you're gone I am goin' to yell 
mvself hoarse, d'ye hear! 

Brad— You will eh ? | Turns Jim over on face, to- 
ward him, tears handkerchief from Jim's right hand. 
I'll see that vou don't! | Turns Jim on back again. 

Jim— |Looking up in Brad's face. | You're acoward 

Brad— | Places hand over Jim's mouth. | 

Jim— | Loudly, but in muffled voice. | A dam cow 
ard! 



38 

Brad — |Gags Jim with handkerchief ties it.| Now 

see if you can yell. 
Jim — | Tries to yell. Voice sounds muffled. | 
Brad — |Laughs.| Guess you'll do all right. | Up 

R. C.| Now, don't you move or make any noise till 

I get back! |ExitR. 3 E.| 

Jim tries to rise and cannot. Tries to yell, voice sounds muffled. Pauses 
Edges along floor until feet can reach bench. Raises feet, up-ends 
bench. Pans clatter to floor. Pause. 

Ab— |Enter R. 3 E. In shirt and trousers. | What's 
all this racket ? |Down R. turns up lamp. | 

Mol— |Enter R. 3 E. In night gown, down C.| 
There was a man in my room ! 

Ec, Tom and Het. Enter R. 3 E. immediately after Mol. Tom goes 
down stage, on knees above Jim; unties harness from Jim's hands and 
takes gag from his mouth. 

Ec — | Leaning out of window up R. looking off R. 
U. E.| There he goes— running across the fields ! 

Ab — |R. cor. to Jim. | Who was he? 

Jim — |Just as Tom takes handkerchief from mouth*| 
I don't know. | Squirms to a kneeling position. Tom 
goes L. cor.j 

Het — | Down C. drops on knees R. of Jim. | Oh Jim! 
your poor hand ! 

Jim — | Takes handkerchief from Tom, extends it to 
Het. | Tie it tighter. |She ties hand in handkerchief. | 

as 

CURTAIN. 



ACT 



CD. fancy 

Doors 

Window 



SCENE PLOT. 



K. and L. in 
in flat 



3 

3 

R. C 



"PROPS." 



L. of C. D. 



Curtains on C. D. 

Kitchen table— with cover. 

Two light, fancy chairs. 

Couch — L. 

Small table L. — above couch. 

Sofa— R. 

Hall tree— R. of C. D. 

Fancy cover on table, L. 

Work Basket i Con taining fancy work and 
worii uasKet ^ palr ]arge scissors 

Stand parlor lamp— practical — up L. C. 

'Plate meat. 

Pitcher ice water. 

Glass. 

Hate fake eggs. 

Plate sliced bread. 

Carving knife, 

Silver fork and spoon 

Bowl brown gravy. 

Napkin. 
.Plate. 
Bowl steaming soup (lye and water 
Spoon. 

Moonlight effect. I Read y_R. 4 E. 
Horse effect. I J ' 

Newspaper — Tom. 
Revolver — Brad. 
Roll Bills— Eccles. 
Stones. ? T - 

2nd Act Hdkf f Jlm 



Small Tea Tray < 



> on table, up C. 



J,Ready— L. 3 E. 



Ready— L. of C. D. 



Voice — (Outside, C. R.) Where are you going? 
Jim— Outside, C. R.) I'm coming in this house. 

Het rises, R. C. 

Voice — (Outside.) But where's your card? What's 
your name? 

Jim — (Outside.) Don't make no difference what 
my name is — I ain't going to borrow any money of 
you. (Enter C. R., in store clothes.) 

(Picture.) 

Het enters, R. 1. E. 

Together—Jim ! Hetty ! 

They start towards each other — arms outstretched. 

Jim — (Suddenly stops, looking at her bosom.) 'Scuse 
me, Hetty. (Turns away to L., hiding face in 
hands. (I'll go out till you finish gittin' dressed.) 

Het— No, Jim, it's all right. This is the way people 
dress in the city. (Indicating corsage.) 



40 

Jim — (C.) An' have I got to dress that way 
too? (Takes off coat.) 

Het — No, the men don't dress this way — only the 
ladies. (R. C.) 

Jim — Women never did have as much sense as men. 
Better put my coat on — you'll ketch cold. (Holds 
coat.) 

Het — I'll go you ! (Puts on coat.) 

Jim — (Helps her on with coat.) Now you can talk 
to the boys without blushin' 

Het — What are you doing in New York ? 

Jim — Why, I've brung some specimens (Suddenly 

stops, hand in hip pocket, aside.) I most forgot. 
Eccles said I wasn't to tell nobody. lAloud, X'ing, 
R.) Why, I come to town to see you, of course! 
(Keeps hat on head.) 

Het — Then sit down. (Indicates sofa, R.) 

Jim — (Sits on sofa, R., springs up to feet.) Wow! 
[Looks around at sofa.] 

Het— [C] What's the matter? 

Jim — I thought I'd set on the cat! [Sits again, 
gingerly.] 

Het — [Going up L.] Well, if you've come to see 
me I'll shut the door. [Closes door, L. 3 E.] If my 
sister sees you, you won't see me very long. [Down 
C] 

Jim — What's the matter, Hetty — you don't look 
happy. 

Het — [C, looks at Jim dolefully.] I'm in love. 

Jim — In love ? 

She nods head affirmatively. 

Jim— [Kiddish] Who with? Tell me, won't you? 

Het — Shakes head, negatively. 

Jim — Is it Eccles? 

Het — Same bus. 

Jim— Is it Bradley? 

Het — Shakes head violently. 

Jim — Look out, you'll shake your head off! (Dole- 
fully. | There's something the matter with me, too! 

Het — Are you in love, too? 

Jim — Mebbe, but jest now I'm hungry! |Rises.| 

Het — Oh, you poor boy! How stupid of me not to 
think of it! Come right straight to the dining room. 

Starts to R. 3 E. 
Jim — X's around to C. 

Het— | Stops, R.| Nope, you'd better not. If Lucre- 
tia saw you she'd raise a racket. You sit right down 
there at that table near the door, |indicates table, up 
C.,l and be ready to duck out if you hear her coming, 



41 

and I'll go to the kitchen and bring you something 
to eat, and I'll wait on you myself. |Exit R. 3E.| 

Jim— | Looks around. | Mighty fine place Tom has 
got here. No wonder he don't keer much for the 
farm no more. Tom has climbed to the top of the 
ladder. | Pause. | Why can't I do the same? It'll be 
a mighty long ladder, and I'm so slow. I'll be a long 
time getting up, but with a face like Hetty's waitin' 
to greet me at the top, my feet jest couldn't git tired! 
|Sits, R. of table, up C.| Then I spose I'd have to 
wear low-necked shirts too! [Hat still on head.| 

Luc— |EnterL. 3 E., calling.| Hetty? [See Jim, 
stops L. C, aghast. | You! 

Jim— |Seated cooly.| Hullo, Tom's wife. 

Luc — 'Tom's wife!" My name is Mrs. Mayne. 

Jim — Yep. That'll be my wife's name, too, when I 
git married. 

Luc — What on earth are you doing here? 

Jim — Come to see my brother, of course. 

Luc — He is detained down town at the office, you 
can see him there. 

Jim — Nope. I've been ridin' in the steam cars all 
day, and I'm pooty tired, so I'll wait. |Crosses legs.| 

Luc — | Aside angrily | How can I get rid of him? 
Mr. Bradley is liable to come to see Hetty at any 
minute. The very thought of Richard finding that 
country lout here makes me shiver. |L. C, shivers. | 

Jim — |Rises.| Why, Tom's wife, you're shiverin' — 
cold, I reckon You ain't more'n half dressed, neith- 
er. Sorrv I ain't got mv coat to lend you, but I lent 
it to Hetty. |Down C |" 

Luc — | Turns on him, furiously. | "Hetty." Miss 
Kingbridge, you mean! Kindly give my sister her 
full name. 

Jim — I'd like to give her mine. 

Luc — | Aside. | Why did I not think of it before? 
|Turns to Jim, aloud. | Boy, I— |Suddenly.| Take 
off vour hat in the presence of a lady. 

Jim— Huh? 

Luc — In the presence of a lady. 

Jim — | Looks at her quizzically! I wasn't certain. 

Luc— | Angrily. | Pah! Take it off! 

Jim — Slowly takes off hat, places it on Luc's head. 

Luc — Why, how dare you! [Throws hat to stage. | 

Jim — | Picks up hat, examines inside. | What's the 
matter? Did anything bite ye? |R. C, replaces hat 
on head | Wisht Hetty 'd git back. 



42 

Luc— |L. C, sternly and rapidly. | Listen to me. 
This foolish infatuation between my sister and your- 
self is a source of great annoyance to her friends. 

Luc— | Continues. | Mr. Bradley is the husband al- 
ready chosen for her. Now, if you will quietly go 
back to the farm, and — and forget that you ever 
met Hetty, I am sure Mr. Bradley would be very 
generous with you, that is, in the matter of dollars 
and cents. | Turns L.| 

Eccles enters, C. D. 

Jim — | Pause. To C. slowly. | Tom's wife, I'm 
kinder slow to understand, and I don't know that I 
ketch your nieanin' exactly, but I take it that you're 
tryin' to buy me ofi with money! Just now I ain't 
got a penny to my name, but I never borrowed or 
begged a penny from anybody, I never stole a penny 
from anybody, I never got a penny from anybody 
that I didn't give e'm back a quarter's worth of hard 
work for every penny! I need money — I need it bad, 
but sooner than take Bradley's money — sooner than 
to know that Bradley's greenbacks had bought a 
life of misery for the girl I love — sooner than that 
I'd kill Bradley! 

Ec — | Down R. C.| That is a better speech than your 
brother could make, tho' he be a law} r er. 

Luc — | To Jim. | Is that your final answer? 

Jim — I ain't got nuthin' more to say — except to tell 
you to warn Bradley to keep away from me! |X's R.| 

Luc — 1 will leave your brother to deal with you, 
you fool! |UpL. C.| Come, Mr. Eccles, I will en- 
tertain you up in the library. 

Ec — |C | Pardon me, but I think I can be extremely 
well entertained right here! |Shakes Jim's hand.| 

Luc — For his own good tell that boy not to let me 
find him here when I return. |Exit L. 3 E.| 

Jim — Didn't I sass her back proper? Whew, I'm 
hot! | Opens vest.| Wish I had one o'them low- 
necked-shirts! 

Dries hands en vest. X'ing L. 

Ec — | Down L. C.| Let me shake your hand again. 

Jim — | Offers right hand — | band aged | — still holding 
vest. Ec. takes it — Jim withdraws hand. Ec. shakes 
vest. | Say, dy'e want that vest? It's mighty slick — 
I got this suit at a fire -sale! 

Ec — | Laughs. Drops vest.| Well, tell me about 
the mica. 

Jim — |Produces stones from hip-pocket | Wall, 
these kind o'stones cover about six acres, and there's 



43 

one place in an old dried-out sheep-well where the 
same stuff is about three feet deep — I measured it. 

Jim gives stones. ^ZZ., 

Ec — | L. C. examining stones. | It's mica, sure as 
guns! Jim, that farm is worth a million, and Brad- 
ley knows it. And that's why he got that mortgage. 

Jim — What mortgage? 

Ec — Didn't you know? Tom told me of it on the train . 
He borrowed $10,000 from Bradley for six months, 
and made over the farm as security. 

Jim — | Suddenly. | An' that was the paper I signed 
my name to! I'm responsible, too! 

Ec — Well, not a word about this to Bradley, wait 
till we make sure of this mica. You see, Tom can't 
sell the farm now with this mortgage on it, so we've 
got to play a foxy game. 

Jim — Oh, Tom'll meet the mortgage all right when 
the time comes. 

Ec — | Returns stones. | Not while he monkeys with 
a man like Bradley. We'll fix it up some way. Say, 
how is Kate? 

Jim — Ain't seen her for three or four days, not since 
the night the dog bit me. She skedaddled. Reckon 
she didn't want to bid Tom's wife good-by. Them 
two women ain't got no use for each other. 

Ec — Where did she go? 

Jim — Over to some o'the neighbors, I reckon. She 
often goes and spends a week with 'em |L. Cor.| 

Het — |Enter, R. 3 E. — carrying tray of dishes, eat- 
ables, pitcher of ice-water and glass, etc.| I've got 
some nice veal-cutlets and some country-gravy and 
some fried eggs. | Places tray on table, up C.| I 
knew what you liked and I had the cook cook it 
specially. 

To L. 3 E— closes door. 

Ec — |GoesupC| How do you do, Miss Hetty — 
and good by. |In C. D.| 

Jim — |L. Cor.| Ain't goin', are ye? Better stay 
and have a snack to eat. | Indicates table. | 

Ec — | Looks at tray. | No, there's enough for only 
one there. Besides, I'm needed at the telegraph 
office — coupleof hours extra work. By-bye. I'llcome 
back when I've finished. |Exit C. R.| 

Het — | Behind table. | Come on, Jim, and eat. 

Jim— | Up C.| Ain't you going to eat something 
with me? |Sits R. of table. | 

Het— Maybe— a little. 

Jim — But he said there was only enough for one. 



44 

Het — Well, we two may be one. Pitch in. 

Jim — | Looks at bandaged hand.| I'm having 
trouble lately eating with one hand. 

Het — Oh, how is your poor hand? 

Jim— It's about healed. | Takes off hdhf.| but its 
mighty sore yet — the fingers is stiff. There's your 
handkerchief. | Gives it.| 

Het — I'll put it in sister's work-basket, and she'll 
have a fit when she finds it. |Does so.| |Drinks.| 

Jim — | Picks up carving kuive and fork. Tries to 
cut meat. | I can't cut it, Hetty. 

Reaches over — take* pitcher from Het's mouth Drinks from it. 

Het— Well! That's cool! 

Jim — | After drinking. | Yep, it has ice in it. | Re- 
places pitcher on table. | Gimme some o'that Qgg. 

Reaches over and places plate of egg directly in front of him. 

Het — Here you are. 

Feeds him mouth-full of egg with spoon. Holding spoon high. 
Egg bus. and Gag. 

Jim — How I wisht I had a girl to feed me all the 
time! 

Het — | Naively. | She couldn't unless she was your 
wife. Oh, how I'd like to have a husband of my own! 

Jim — Yep, you'd rather have one of your own than 
some other girl's husband, wouldn't you? 

Het — Well, why don't you ask me. 

Around L,. to below table. 

Jim— What? 

Rises R. of table. 

Het — Just ask me, that's all. 
Jim — Will you? 
Het— Yes ! 
Jim— What? 
Het — Marry you ! 

Jim — | Embraces her. | I've said it! I've said it at 
last! 

Dances with glee, holding embrace. 

Brad — |Enter C. R., sees embrace.| How dare you 
embrace that lady? 

Jim — She — she asked me to. Did she ever ask you ? 

Brad — Whom do you want to see here? 

Jim — Not you ! 

Brad — Servants belong in the kitchen — not in the 
parlor. 

Jim— |Breaks embrace. | Hetty, jest show this feller 
the way to the kitchen. 

Brad — Insolent ! (Starts towards Jim. ) 

Jim — | Quickly picks up carving-knife from table. | 
Don't git gay or I'll shave your mustache off! 



45 

Brad— | Down R. C.| Miss Hetty, in associating so 
familiarly with this boy — you seemingly forget that 
you are a lady. 

Jim— |Replaces knife, down R. C. to Brad., threat- 
eningly. | Take keer what you say, Bradley. I am 
only a boy, and she's only a girl now — but she is a 
lady — every inch of her! 

Het — | Down L. C.| Don't waste time talking to 
him, Jim — come here and talk to me. 

Jim — |C.| It ain't wastin' time givin' a few words 
o' good advice. 

Brad — Nor do I care to waste time in quarrelling. 
| To C. extends hand.| Come, lets be friends. 

Jim | Refuses hand.| I wouldn't shake hands with 
you — not even to keep your teeth from fallin' out! 

Brad— | R. C.| Not anxious to make friends, eh? 

Jim — Nope, I'm too slow, an' let me tell yon that 
I'm a darn sight slower to make friends than I am 
to make enemies. 

Brad — I advise you to think twice before you make 
an enemy of me — as you will surely do if you con- 
tinue to force your attentions upon this young lady. 
I allow no one to interfere with me — least of all, a 
boy like you ! 

Jim— | Up to Brad. | Well, a boy kin sometimes put 
up a pretty healthy fight. I am only a boy — you look 
like a man. If you are now's you're chance to prove 
it! | Suddenly slaps Brad's face with right hand.| 
Ouch! I hurt my sore hand ! (XC, examining hand.) 

Brad — | Angrily. | I'll hurt it worse! 

Springs upon Jim, short struggle. Jim is thrown, C, head toward R. 
Brad, places knee on his chest. 

Het — |Screams, runs up C, calling| Tom! Lu- 
cretia ! Help ! Help ! 
Jim— Fens hittin'! Kings' X. 

Jim — Crosses fingers. 
Brad — Places left knee on Jim's right hand. 

Jim— Git off my sore hand ! (Struggles.) 
Brad— | With both knees, holds down Jim's arms, 
angrily. | A moment ago you said you wouldn't 
shake" hands with me — not to save my teeth from 
falling out! Now you promise to let Hetty alone 
hereafter, or I'll mash your teeth down your throat! 

Shakes fist in Jim's face. 
Hetty— Down C, a little. 

Jim — I won't promise, mash away ! 

Brad — Raises clinched fist to strike. 

Het— | Down C, quickly— catches Brad's unpraised 



46 

hand. | No, you won't! I do all the mashing in this 
family ! 

Luc— | Enters quickly, L 3 E , down L. C.| What 
does this mean? 

Brad — Kises, looks over shoulder at Lttc, bows, smilingly, down L, Cor., 
arranging disordered apparel. 

Jim — | Rises, slowly. | It means I jest got licked. 

To R., feeling of right hand. 

Brad — | Dusting clothes | He attacked me and 1 was 
obliged to defend myself. I am deeply sorry this oc- 
curred. 

Jim — |Defiantly.| Well, I ain't sorry — even if you 
did half kill me! 

Luc — |L. of C.| What was the cause? 

Brad — I caught him embracing your sister — and I 
interfered. 

Jim — | Looking at hand, ruefully. | That's what 
you did. 

Luc — | Paces R. to Het.| So, you are flinging your- 
self at him again, eh? 

Jim — Yep, she flung herself and I caught her. 

Het — |R. C.| And I am proud to be caught in the 
arms of a man so brave and true. | To Jim's embrace 
R.| 

Luc — Man, if I were a man, that boy should be 
put out! | Turns L. to Brad.| 

Brad — That boy looks rather "put out." 

Luc — | Turns again to Jim| Why areyou remaining 
here? 

Jim — Waitin' to see my brother, of course. 

Luc — I've told you that he had gone out. 

Jim — I know it, and that's why I waitin'. 

Luc — You shall not remain here a moment longer! 

Jim — Shan't I? Who owns this house, any way, you 
or him? 

Brad — jL. half aside. | Neither one; its rented. 

Luc — | to Jim, sternly.) For the last time, go; I am 
terribly in earnest. I order you to go. |PointstoC.D.| 

Jim pauses, slowly x's up C. toward C D. 

Het — | Catches Jim's right arm as he passes | Stop! 
Lucretia, if you drive Jim Mayne from this house, I 
am going with him. I, I, have promised to be his 
wife. 

Luc — His wife! |sneeringly | Nonsense! Why you'd 
starve to death! 

Het — No, I would't; he'll work for me; he'll give me 
love that I don't get here; he'll give me enough to 
eat and enough clothes to wear, too. Ain't I wearing 
his coat now? | Holding coat apart. | 



47 

Jim — You bet you are and 3-011 can have the rest of 
'em if you want em'. | Starts as if to unbutton trous- 
ers. I 

Hetty restrains Jim. 
Tom appears hi C. D. from R., hat coat etc., remains unseen in C. D 

Luc— Hetty I have nothing more to say to you; |to 
Jim| And as for you, when your brother returns, he 
shall choose between you and me. Either you go out 
of that door forever |indicates C. D. without looking 
up stage| or I do. 

Tom— |In C. D. quietly.| Lucretia, I left the street 
door open as I came in. Shut it as you go out. 

Picture! 
Lucretia crushed L. C. Tom shaking hands with Jim R. C. 

Jim— No Tom, much obliged, but that can't be. I 
ain't got no business comin' between lawful husband 
and wife, I'll go. |x's to C. D.| 

Het— |R. of C. D. appealingly| Jim, don't go! 

Jim— |Takes Het's hands| Yes, Hetty, it is better 
so. But you wait, wait till I get some money, and 
get a little smarter, and then I come back and claim 

Brad— |L. C. sneeringlyl She'll wait a longtime, 
then. 

Hetty— I Down C. quickly. | Mr. Bradley, you've 
said enough! You may be able to lick Jim, but you 
can't lick me, not with my coat off. | Quickly throws 
off coat. Assumes pugilistic attitude. | 

Jim— |Picks up coat; down R. of Het; arm around 
her and kisses her.| My! that was a nervy thing to do. 

Het— What? For me to tackle Bradley? 

Jim — No, for me to kiss you. 

Het— |Asideto Jim| Jim, I wish that slate was 
here, I'd rub off that name right now. 

Jim— I ain't skeered to wait, Hetty. |Coat over 
arm; shakes her hands| Good bye. Good bye Tom. 
I Up C. hesitates I Good bye Tom's wife. |InC. D.| 

Luc L. C. turns back on Jim. 

Jim— I In C. D.| Good bve, Bradley; jou licked me 
fair. But I won't always be so slow. An' I reckon 
I'll iearn to fight a little while I'm gone and then when 
I come back I'll do a little mashin' myself. |Exit 

C R I 

Luc— |Down R C. faces Tom.| Well, what have 
you to sav? Aren't you proud? 

Tom— [Faces her slowly. | No I'm ashamed— of my 
wife Ix'supL. C.| 

Luc— I Tosses head scornfully. | Hetty, come with 
me to the drawing room. |UpR. C.| 



48 

Het — Oh, the Dickens! |ToR.3.E. Remains in door.| 

Luc — | Up R. C.| Mr. Bradley, you may join us. 

Brad — With pleasure. |x's up C.| Are you coming, 
Tom? 

Luc — He is not. I don't care for the company of a 
man who so stubbornly clings to the vulgar asso- 
ciations of the farm, even tho' that man be my hus- 
band. |In R. 3 E | 

Tom — |UpL. | Which just reminds me that I have 
some business with Mr. Bradley, in connection with 
that same farm. Mr. Bradley will you join me up- 
stairs in the library? |To L. 3 E | 

Brad, up C. looking from one to the other as if undecided. 

Luc— |In R. 3 E. with Het.| Mr. Bradley, I asked 
for your society. 

Brad — | Pause. | Pardon me, but "business before 
pleasure." |Goes L. to Tom.! 

Luc — Pah! | Motion of disgust | 

Ec — | Enters quickly, C. R. whistling. | Well, got 
back ! Finished my work sooner than I expected ! 
|C. looks around. | Hello, where's Jim? |Pause; no 
replies. | I say, where's Jim? | Faces Luc.| 

Luc. turns up nose and turns away, R. 

Ec — Eh ! |Turns L. to Brad, and Tom.| 

Tom sadly turns away L. 

Ec — |Looks from Luc. to Tom, shoves hands in 
pockets, whistles. | Whew! 

Het — III tell you, Eccles. They've kicked him out! 

Luc — | To Het. savagely. | Silence! |Pushes Het. 
offR. 3E.| 

Tom — I have some business up in the library. 
Eccles, amuse yourself here till I return. |Exit L. 3 
E. with Brad, taking hat, coat, etc.| 

Luc — | In R. 3 E.| It is useless to inquire regarding 
"Jim", Mr. Foxglove. He has gone and forever. Not 
another member of that Mayne family shall enter 
that door again while I live! |Indicates CD. and 
exit R. 2E.| 

Ec — | Looks at C. D.| Guess \ got inside just in 
time! I'm not a member of that family yet, but I 
hope I soon will be. I Hangs silk hat on hat rack. 
R. of C.D.| 

QUARTETTE. 

Ec — | To window, up R. looks out.| Prayer meeting 
in the church across the way. W T hy, that's the same 
hymn they used to sing in the little church down in 
Maine, in the choir where kate used to sing. 



49 

|Listens. Quartette swells. Down R. sits on sofa, 
listening. At end of hymn, raises head. | Kate! my 
Kate ! How I'd love to see her ! | Quartette resumes 
Py. continues once thro chorus. | 

Jim and Kate enter C. R. He supporting her. She very pale and weak. 
She R. he L. down C together 

Ec — |Rises up to them | Hello! I thought you 
were kicked out. — |Sees Kate| Why Kate! |Up to 
her. R. of her, takes her hand.| What's the matter 
darling? |Supports her.| 

Kate smiles in Ec's face, presses his hand. 

Ec — Here, let her rest here. | The}' conduct Kate 
to couch L. and lay her upon it.| Jim, what does 
this mean ? | At foot of couch. | 

Jim — | Behind couch L.| I found her on a doorstep. 
She's about dead — starved — run away from home. 
She saj T s she come to learn telegraphy. In this big 
city three days and ain't had a bite to eat. |To C.| 
Dam this city ! | Hangs hat on rack R. of C. D.| 

Ec-| Brushing back Kate's hair.| That what I say ! 

Jim — So I brung her here. Tom's wife kicked me out 
but she won't dare turn her away. 

Ec. X's quickly to R. 2 E and closes door. 

Jim — 'To head of couch, bends over couch. | How 
dv'e feel, sis? 
"Kate— I Feebly . | Water ! 

Jim — Of course, I'm so slow I never thought of it. 
|To table up C. Gets pitcher ice-water and glass. | 
Here, drink some o' this. |Raises Kate's head, holds 
glass to her lips. | 

Ec— | L. Behind them. Softly | I'll find Tom, he's 
upstairs and have him get some soup, or" some 
lobsters, or something. I don't know what she 
needs. |Exit L. 3 E.| 

Jim — |Places pitcher and glass on table L. above 
couch. | Now Kate, tell me how it is I find ye like 
this ! 

Kate — I couldn't help it. I wanted to earn my 
living and nobody would listen. I had no money. 
I couldn't beg. 

Jim — But now you'll come home again. 

Kate— No-no ! I can't ! 

Jim— Can't! Why? 

Kate — Father would turn me out! 

Jim- I — I'm so slow, Kate— I don't understand ? 

Kate— | Half raises. | Jim, on the street tonight I 
met women — fallen — so low 

Jim — I know. I've seen 'em. 



50 

Kale — Oh, Jim; can't you understand ! Wouldyou 
want one of them in } r our house ? 

Jim — [Halfunderstands.J Kate! [Steps back to C] 

Kate— Jim, I — I had no mother to guide me! 
{Falls sobbing on pillow.] 

Jim — [Pause. To L., above couch. Bends over 
Kate.] Kate, who is the man ? 

Brad enters L. 3 E. Stops suddenly. Remains up L., above table, 
watching scene. 

Kate — [Does not see Brad] I — I dare not tell ! 

Jim — [Does net see Brad.] Dare not tell ! Sis, tell 
me; I'll find him; he shall do you right. [Kneels 
above couch.] 

Kate — [Raises on pillow.] I will tell you. I'll no 
longer be intimidated by his threats. The man — the 
man's name is 

Brad suddenly knocks pitcher off of table. It falls with a crash. Bends 
over table, looking at Kate. 

Kate sees Brad's face. Falls back, with half scream, on couch. 

Jim — [Rises L. C] Damn yourkeerlessness; you've 
skeeredher! [To C.] 

Brad — [Still leaning over table.] Why, Kate 

[Catches himself.] 

Jim — [Pause.] By what right do you call my sis- 
ter by her first name ? 

Brad— Oh, so slow! Just realized I called her 
"Kate," eh? By what right? [To foot of couch, 
back to Jim; bends over Kate; aside to her.] By the 
right to make you my wife if you keep silent now ! 

Jim — [Up to Brad. Fiercely.] Get out of the way ! 

Brad X's slowly to R. 

Jim— [To foot of couch; bends over Kate; aside to 
her.] I love ye yet, sis. Tell me his name; whisper 
it to me .so he [Indicates Brad with nod of head] 
don't hear, and I'll find him ! 

Kate— [Feebly.] I — I dare not! For your sake 
as well as mine. We are poor; he is rich and power- 
ful; he would crush you like that broken pitcher. If 
you love your sister don't tell father or Tom, but 
go — go ? I'll do all right here with Tom. Go ! 

Jim— [Still aside.] Don't you worry, sis. I'll get 
some money so as to be on equal terms with him, 
whoever he is. An' then — I'll kill him! | Reads last 
line unconsciously loudly, turning down L. C] 

Brad-[R. Cor.] Kill? Who? 

jim_[L,. C ] A snake, that needs killin' ! A snake 
that I want to kill, wors'n I want to lick you ! 

Tom— [Enter C. L.] They're fixing some beef 
broth down in the kitchen. Eccles is waiting for it. 



51 

[Down L. above couch.] Eccles has told me, Kate. 
Do you feel better ? 

Jim— (L. Cor.) Don't make her talk, Tom, all she 
needs is rest, an' she can get that all right now with 
her brother for a few days, can't she? 

Tom — (Holding Kate's hand.) Surely she can. 
She can stay right here. 

Luc— (Enter R. 3 E.) To hear Tom's speech. Well, 
she shall not! (ToR.C.) 

Ec — (Enter C. L., with bowl of steaming broth, 
to couch. Hands bowl to Tom.) There you are, 
Tom. If I were you I'd feed it kinder slow. (Goes 
L., below couch.) 

Tom feeds Kate with spoon. 

Luc — What is my home supposed to be — a poor- 
house for the refuge of the destitute ? Two members 
of that dirt-digging family in one day is enough ! 

Jim — (L. Cor., appealingly.) Don't speak like that, 
Tom's wife. She's awful w r eak,and your words '11 
kill her. 

Luc — Oh, no, they won't ! Country girls don't die 
so easily ! 

Tom — (Sets bowl on table. To C, quickly. Faces 
Luc.) Lucretia, there's my face! Scratch it, slap it 
if you like, but don't say one more word against my 
brother and sister ! (Pause. Returns to Kate and 
feeds broth, as before. Then replaces bowl on table. 
Takes newspaper from pocket. Fans Kate.) 

Brad — (R. Cor. To Luc.) Might I remind you, 
Mrs. Mayne, that that fellow is again under your 
roof? (Indicating Jim, L.) 

Jim — (To L. C.) Say, you've licked me onct — ain't 
that enough for one day ? 1 kin hardly fight ye now 
with my hand all busted up. (Indicates right hand.) 

Ec — Keep quiet, Jim. (X's R. to Brad. Aside to 
him.) Say, Dick Bradley, I licked you twice at col- 
lege, and I can do it again. Now, you shut your 
jaw, or I'll shut your eyes — so you can't see things 
that don't concern you. (Pause. Goes up R. Looks 
out window.) 

Jim — |C.| Don't worry, mum, I'm a goin' an' I 
ask you to remember that my poor sister is a 
woman like yourself and that she's of the same flesh 
and blood as the man youv'e made your husband. 
|In C. D.| Kate, I'll write to you soon. Tom, I 
leave sis in your care, send her home as soon as she's 
well. | Reaches aimlessly to hat-rack, puts on Ec's 
silk hat. Exit C. R.l 



52 

Luc — |R. C.| Has she the money to pay her 
board? 

Ec— | Down C. quickly. | No, but I have. | Pro- 
duces roll of bills, forces them into Luc's hand.| 
Take it! Take it! Youv'e made your bluff, now 
make it good! |Pause.| Hu, I wish you were a 
man, just for about five minutes. |Goes up in C. D.| 

Tom — | Has placed newspaper on table, now bends 
over Kate, holding her hand.| Kate! |Pause.| 
Kate! She's fainted. |To C.| Lucretia, this must 
stop; I must go for Dr. Wentworth. 

Ec — | At window. | I just now saw Dr. Wentworth 
driving away, from the window. 

Tom — Then we must find another! |L. to Kate 
chafes her hands | Eccles, you go to find some 
physician. I'll follow you immediately. 

Ec — All right. | Takes Jim's hat from rack looks 
at it. | Well, I'll be hanged! |Pulls hat down over 
eyes. Comedy exit, C. R.| 

Tom — | To Luc. | Where is Hetty? 

Luc — She has retired. There was no need for her 
to renew her acquaintance with an}^ more members 
of 3 r our iamilv tonight! 

Tom— | C. to Luc. fiercely | Stop that talk, I tell 
you! I shall have to leave Kate in your care while 
we find a doctor. Can I trust you? 

Luc — Why I'm not a tiger or a wildcat, am I? 

Tom — I know I can trust you. Remember she is 
your husband's sister, bring her out of that faint if 
you can, care for her well, try to undo the mischief 
you have done. I'll soon return. |Exit C. R. calls 
outside. | I'm coming, Eccles 

Luc — | L. to Kate. | She is reviving now. |To C.| 
Hgh! The sight of her seems to foul the very air 
with unpleasant recollections! 

Kate — | Weakly. | I, I shall do very well, you don't 
need to bother. 

Brad — |R. Cor.| Might I not assume the duty of 
remaining with Miss Kate until your husband re- 
turns? 

Luc — I should be very glad if you would. |To 
Kate. | Do you mind? | Turns down lamp, up L. C.| 

Moonlight Effect Thro Window, on couch. 

Kate — |Feebly.| I would prefer it. 

Luc — |Sniffs.| Well! I'm glad there is at least one 
member of your family who appreciates the virtues 
of Mr. Bradley. |Goes to R. 3 E.| |Turns down 
lamp. | 



53 

Brad— | R. Cor. aside. | But I cannot say that I 
appreciate the virtues of that particuTar one of the 
family. |X's, slowly up C.| 

Luc— | In R. 3 E. sneeringlv | Take good care of 
her, Richard! |Exit, R. 3 E.| 

Brad— Never fear |To R. 3. E., closes door, to C. 
D., closes curtain. Looking at Kate. Aside. | I'll 
take good care she never comes as near denouncing 
me as she did to-day! She would not have left those 
letters at home — she must have them with her. 
|Pause. Picks up carving knife from table, up C, 
feels edge and lays it down, shaking head. Picks up 
hdkf. from work-basket, recognizes it.| Ah! [Re- 
places it. Draws revolver, looks at it. Nods head 
affirmatively, conceals it under coat. Slowly down 
L., around couch, sits on its edge. | Kate, you have 
those letters! 

Kate— Yes. 

Brad — Give them to me! 

Kate— No! 

Brad— |Shows revolver.' Take care— I'm desperate 
now. Those letters stand between me and the future. 
I care not for consequences. See? |Places pistol at 
her hea d . | 

Kate— | Raises head to meet pistol, looking Brad in 
the eye. | I haven't got them with me. Shoot! You 
cannot find them. 

Brad— | Pause, withdraws pistol. | No, it would 
make too much noise. |Ec's footsteps heard outside, 
R. U. S., running on stone flagging. | 

Brad— Listens. To window, R., quickly. Aside. | 
It is Eccles— returning! Quick! Quick! Before he 
gets upstairs! |Down below couch again, back to 
audience, looking at pistol, undecided. Lays pistol 
on table, above couch. Looks at Kate. Suddenly 
seizes her throat. Choking bus.| You'll never be- 
tray me now. This will silence you for now. | Throws 
her back on couch, up quickly to table, C, gets hdkf. 
ties it around Kate's mouth and nose,| And this will 
smother you and finish the job. Lucretia will never 
betray me. |Ec's footsteps heard running upstairs. | 

Brad— | Agitated. | He's here! I can't get away! 
| Looks around. Sees newspaper on table. Quickly 
spreads it over her face. To L. Cor.j 

Ec— | Enter C. R., breathless. | Doctor's coming in 
fifteen minutes and Tom's gone after another one! 
(Stops C.j Where's Lucretia? 



54 

Brad — |L. Cor.| She— she has retired. I promised 
to take care of Kate. 

Ec — | Suspiciously. | Hm! Heartless virago! Don't 
know which of you two I'd trust the least! |Sees 
newspaper, starts to couch. | What's that. 

Brad — | Stops him.| The — moonlight shone in her 
face— she was sleeping — I feared 'twould wake her. 
Don't touch it. |Aside.| I must get that bandage 
off; she's dead by this time. 

Ec— |Goes R. sits on sofa.| Well, you can go if you 
like. I'll wait for Tom and the" doctor. |Kate's 
hand steals up on table. | 

Brad— | Aside. | I must get him out of here! | Aloud. | 
I — I would suggest that you have some fresh broth 
prepared for her when she awakes. 

Ec— A good idea. | Rises. | I'll tell the servants. 
| Starts up to C. D.| 

Kate — Has reached glass with hand. Taps telegraphy on bowl with 

glass. 

Ec— The New York call! |Stops up R. C, sudden- 
ly, watching Kate's hand and reading her signals. | 
"I— am— dying— killed— by Bradley !" 

Starts for Brad., who meets him. They fight, L. C. to C. Struggle. Ec. 
is overpowered, struck on head, thrown to stage, R. 

Kate — During fight, throws off newspaper, struggles with table-cloth 

for pistol. 

Brad — Rushes to table, up C, gets carving-knife, down R. C, about to 
stab Ec, when Kate fires. Brad's arm drops, knife falls — he drops to 
one knee, C, holding right arm. 

Curtain: 

Bradley — dropping from window, up R. 

Tom appears in C. D. Goes to window as Brad, escapes. 

Ec. holding Kate in his arms on couch, L. 

Luc. in R. 3E. 

Second Curtain. 



ACT IV. 

SCENE PLOT. 



Kitchen — same as Act II. 

Snow effect — outside window and door C. 



"PROPS." 

Slate still on cupboard. 

Bench — down R. 

Tablecloth (white) } 

Iron and Stand ( _ . . . _ 

Holder [ ° n table - L - 

Clothes to iron J 

Clothes basket (Half- full clothes) R. of table L , below chair. 

Bell for clock— ready R. 3 E. 

Salt for shoulder — snow — ready outside door, C. 

Note — Tom. 

Legal paper (Same as Act II.) — Brad. 

Packet Bills — (Money) — Jim. 

Letter — Abner. 



Tom — Discovered, seated on bench, R. — figuring on slate. 
Luc — Discovered, at window — up R. 

Mollie — | Discovered, above table L.-ironing.| Well, 
Tom, will you never git done figurin'? 

Luc — How do you make it now, Tom? 

Tom — | Wearily. | Oh, the same — always the same. 
You can't juggle figures. Over $14,000. |Places 
slate on bench. | I could manage an extension of 
time on four thousand of it, but Bradley is proving 
himself implacable. He will demand his $10,000 
tonight, or 

Mollie— | Stops ironing. | Or what? 

Luc — | Down R. C. — to Mollie. | Why don't you 
know — ? 

Tom — | Rises quickly — aside to Luc.| And she need 
not know — yet. | Aloud to Mollie. | If I cannot meet 
that $10,000 debt at 10 o'clock tonight, you will all 
know the penalty, father and all. |Sits again, R.| 

Mollie — | Resumes ironing. | Tom, how in the world 
did you git yourself in such a hole? 

Tom — You're right, it is a hole — a hole in the shape 
of an oil well, and the bottom fell out of it. 

Mollie— The bottom fell out? Where did it go? 

Tom — Down to the centre of the earth, I suppose. 

Mollie — The preacher says the middle of this earth 
is the infernal region. 

Tom — That's it, The oil well has gone to the 
devil. 



56 

Luc — | Has opened window. | Its a fearfully stormy 
night. Perhaps Bradley may not come. 

Closes window. Down R. C. 

Tom — Not come? | Produces note. | Listen: |Reads.| 
"At 10 tonight expect me. You have your choice 
between the payment of the $10,000 or giving me 
Hetty lor my wife. I know your financial difficulties, 
so would advise you to choose the latter." He sent 
me this note two hours ago. | Pockets note.| 

Luc — Hetty has become very reasonable lately. If 
you should ask her she would consent. 

Tom — |Rises.| Don't ask me that, Lucretia. My 
ruin shall not bring unhappiness upon her. |Leans 
against cupboard, R.| 

Luc — Well, husband, you know best. 

Mollie — |Stops ironing. | Good gracious! "Hus- 
band, you know best." Did you say that? I've 
noticed you're mighty changed of late, but I didn't 
think you'd ever give in to your husband like that! 

Luc — I have learned to appreciate poverty. Miss 
Middlesex. |Goes up R. C.| 

Mollie — Yep— you've lost all your money, and had 
to come down to the farm to get your bread and 
butter. It must a'been an awful "come-down," too! 
| Irons vigorously.) 

Abner — | Enters door C— followed by Hetty. Both 
covered with snow. carries open letter. | Gee— 
whitaker! I've got wonderful news! 

Down L. C. — Brandishing letter. 

Mollie — |Stops ironing. | What is it? 

Hetty — Remains up L. Is quiet and pale. 

Abner — Hear this! Itsfrom Kate— and she'scoming 
home! She says she'll get here Christmas Eve and 
that's today! This letter come yesterda}^ but neigh- 
bor Jones didn't bring it from town till jest now— so I 
reckon she'll be here tonight! 

Mollie — Well, where's she been all these months? 

Around to below table, iron in band. 

Abner — Been in New York, she says— living with 
Eccles Foxglove's mother, and what d'ye think, Ec- 
cles is coming with her! |R. of table— below clothes 
basket— lays letter on table. | Look at that! 

Mollie — Mr. Foxglove coming? Oh, happiness! 

Places iron in her right hand on Abner's left band — on table. 

Abner— Whew! That's hot! 

Jerks hand up — iron slips from Mollie's hand and falls on his feet. 
Wow! Falls backward into clothes basket. 



57 

Mollie — | Picks up iron-places it on table. | You 
peskv old fool! | Helps Abner to rise.| What you 
doin'? 

Abner — | Looks down at basket. | Jest pressin' your 
clothes, Mollie. 

Mollie — | Picks up basket. X's up C.| Its a good 
thing I got these clean sheets ironed. I must fix up 
Mr. Foxglove's room for him— and kinder dress myself 
up, too! 

Exit R. 3 E.— with basket. 

Abner— | Up C.-Calls after Mollie. | Don't forgit to 
fix up Kate's old room, too. 

Tom — Sits again on bench R. and figures on slate. 

Luc — | Up R. C.| Allow me to prepare Kate's room 
for her, Father Mayne. 

Exit R. 3 E. 

Abner — | Wonderingly— looks after Luc.| "Father 
Mayne!" An' goin' to c n o chambermaid work, too! 
Tom, what's got into your wife lately? 

Hetty — |Comes down L. C.| We all want to be 
happy for your sake today. Papa Mayne. 

Abner — |C. pause-looking at Hetty. | All but you, 
Hetty. That's the first word I've heard 3^ou speak 
in an hour. What's the matter gal? 

Hett} — Nothing. I— I shall be all right again soon. 

Turns away L. to table. 

Abner — Its a heap o'joy for my old heart, today. 
My boy here, and my little gal comin' home. 

Hetty — And don't you wish Jim would come back, 
too? 

Ab. — No I don't! Pesky boy, had no business 
runnin away. Reckon he went to New York, too, 
that's whar they all seem to go. But if he did it'll 
take him ten years to git home, he's so pesky slow! 
I don't keer if he never comes back! |Sees Tom with 
slate | What you doin' with his slate! |Rushes R. 
to Tom and seizes slate. | Why, nobody aint 
touched that slate since he went away, he figgered 
on it last day he was here and nobody shall touch 
it till he gits back! |To C, looking lovingly at 
slate. | (Looks angrily at Tom.) You got your 
nerve, tcuchin' my Jim's slate! 

Hetty — Give me that slate, Papa Mayne. 

Ab— (Looks L. at Hetty.) Eh! 

Hetty— Jim gave me the right to take care of it. 
(Extends hand.) 

Ab — (Pause ) An I reckon that's a better right 



58 

than I've got. (Gives slate to Hetty. Up C.) I'm 
goin' to watch out for the folks. If they don't show- 
up purty soon. I'll hitch up and go towards town 
and meet 'em. (Exit CD.) 

Hetty — (To L. of C. Extends slate, pointing to 
figures.) Tom, those figures are right, are they not? 

Tom — (Seated, R.) The figures are right and my 
life is all wrong. (Suddenly.) What do 3'ou know? 

Hetty — Everything. I met Bradley in town this 
morning. If I marry him you are safe, are you not? 

Tom — | Sadly. | Yes. 

Hetty — Had you noticed the other side of this 
slate. Tom |turns slate over and extends it.| 

Tom — No. | Rises to R. of C. wonderingly.| 

Hetty — Look. 

Tom — |Reads.| "Richard Bradley." 

Hetty — On one side, ruin for you, on the other, 
misery for me! | Turns away L.| 

Tom — | To C.| And can you think so meanly of 
me that I would ask or even consider such an 
alternative? "Where my name is written there 
stands my honor." That has been my religion thro' 
life. But what honor is more precious than a 
woman's and that woman almost my sister? Can 
you believe that I would sell a life for dollars and 
cents? You shall not be forced to such a decision! 
|ToR. C.| 

Hetty — I have already decided. I have sent for 
the minister, he will be here tonight and at ten 
tonight, I— I— will— marry— Richard Bradlev. 

Tom— What? 

Hetty — |To C.| Tom, I love your brother Jim. 
I would be content to wait all my life for his return, 
but here my duty is plain. This old home shelters 
the only true hearts I have ever known — 
good old Papa Mayne — you — your sister, Kate — 
| Pause, | and once it sheltered my' Jim. The 
figures on this slate would take that 
home away — would turn old Papa Mayne 
out into the cold. Again I say my duty is plain, 
when the minister comes, I — I will — | Turns L., 
looking at name on slate. | Forgive me, Jim, if you 
can, we can't rub out the name on the slate! 

She places slate on table, falls in chair, head on table, sobbing. 

Abner — | Enters D. C.| They're here! Kate and 
Eccles! They're here! |Callsoff C. to L.| Put the 
shed under the horse and throw a blanket over the 
barn. Come in! Come in! 

Hetty — Rises quickly, L. C, brushing away tears. 



59 

Torn— |R. C, appealingly.| Hetty, you must not! 
Hetty — Ssh, Tom. Your father will bear you, and 
he need never know. |I£xit L. 1 E.| 

Kate and Ec — Enter together, D. C; both covered with snow. 

Kate — Father! 

To Abner's embrace, R. of C. D. 

Ec— I Up L. of C. D., shakes Abner's hand.| Mr. 
Mayne, how are you? 

Kate — Meets aud kisses Tom, R. C. 

Abner— [Joyfully. | Oh, I'm well and mighty happy! 
An' I want to thank you and your mother for takin' 
such good care o' my little gal. My, but it seems 
good to have her back home again. |Fondles Kate's 
hair, R. C.| 

Ec — |X's down R. to Tom, shakes hands. | Tom, 
old man, how are things? 

Tom — |Aside to Ec.| Eccles, I'm in a terrible mess 
about that money. Come with me, perhaps vou can 
help me. |Exit R. 1 E.| 

Ec — | To Abner and Kate. | Excuse me, I want to 
see Tom. |Exit quickly, R. 1 E.| 

Abner — |X's down R.| I don't understand what 
the matter is with Tom to-day. |Turns .to C.| An' 
so my Kate has got home at last. How did you git 
here? | Swings her hands. | 

Kate — |L. C.| Railroad train, of course. 

Abner — You've been stud} r in' so much telegraphin' 
lately, I thort mebbe you might a come on a wire. 

Abuer goes to R. C . 

Mollie — | Enters R. 3 E., grotesquely dressed, 
sweeps down C.| Where is he? 
Abner— | Up R. C.| Where's who? 
Mollie — Why Mr. Eccles, of course. 

Ec — Enters quickly, R. 1 E., sees Mollie, stops R. 

Mollie — Oh, there you are! Dear Mr. Eccles. (Bows.| 

Ec — Tries to get past Mollie to C, she stops him by continual bowing. 
He bows with her. 

Mollie— Sweet Mr. Eccles! |Bows.| Beautiful Mr. 
Eccles! |Samebus.| Delicious Mr. Eccles! |Samebus.| 

Ec — Excuse me, I haven't time to dance a minuet. 
I've some business to attend to. 

X's np C, meets Kate, talks in dumb show. 

Mollie — |R. Aside. | And he never even noticed my 
new dress! 

Ec — | Up C, aside to Abner. | Mr. Mayne, could we 
be alone a minute or two? 

Abner— I R. C, looks at Ec and Kate.j Eh? 



60 

Kate — jUpL. ofC.| Yes, father, we want to be 
alone. | Talks to Eccles, up C. in dumb show.| 

Abner — |Looks at them.| I see how it is. Two is 
company and three's a crowd. | Chuckles, sees Mol- 
lie, down R. to her.| Well, what are you waitingfor? 

Mollie— What? 

Abner — Don't you see they want to be alone to- 
gether? Jerks head in direction of Kate and Ec.| 
Two is company, you know. |X's L.| 

Mollie — | Looks at Kate and Ec. | I see it is. |To 
R. cor., aside. | I love him so much and she has froze 
me out again. |Exit R. 1 E.| 

Abner — | To audience. | The idea of that old fool 
sister o' mine hangin' round when she might see she 
wasn't wanted. After two young folks have had a 
long ride in a buggy in the cold, they kinder like to 
git warmed up together, and nobody ought to hang 
around. Everybody ought to remember that two 
is company — | Turns R. and notices Ec and Katej 
and I guess I'm the crowd! |Exit quickly, L. 1 E.| 

Kate — | Down R. C.| And does Bradley dare to 
come here after that night in New York? 

Ec — |C.| That fellow 'd dare anything. Hedepends 
upon his hold upon Tom to get Hetty for his wife 
and then get off Scott free. 

Kate — Oh, what can we do? 

Ec — I know what I'm going to do. I'm going to 
get Jim Mayne! 

Kate—Jim! Is he here? 

Ec — In town now, trying to get a special order to 
get some money he sent through the bank. He got 
there after the banks closed, you see. 

Kate — And you never told me. 

Ec— Jim wanted it all kept secret. He wanted to 
surprise them all. And you must keep it quiet. If 
Bradley suspects, he'll demand his money, sure! 

Kate— Then in God's name, go, take the buggy and 
drive your best. We must save Hetty for Jim. 

Kate X's L , to table. 

Ec— I'm off. 

Kate — | Suddenly sees slate, picks it up, up L. C. | 
Stop! Give this to Jim! Tell him by the love he 
bears his sister to hurry! Give him this slate, and 
tell him that is the man! 

She hands slate, pointing to name. 

Eccles— (Takes slate and reads.' "Richard Brad- 
ley!" Is he the man ? 
Kate — What ? You knew ? 



61 

Eccles — All, dear, but the name. You told all the 
rest to mother in your delirium, when j^ou were so 
ill. (Down R. to her.) 

Kate — Eccles, I thought once I was Mrs. Bradley 
but one day he — he rubbed out the "Mrs." 

Eccles — My poor girl! (Arm around her.) How 
cruelly you were deceived! (Kisses her hair.) I'm 
off, dear. (Up to D. C.) 

Kate— (Up L. of D. C.) Oh, Eccles— If you should 
meet Bradley 

Eccles — Don't worry, Kate. It is Jim's right. I'll 
give this slate to Jim ! (Exit D. C.) 

|Mollie enters R. I. E. X's rapidly to L. 3 E. with- 
out seeing Kate.| 

Mollie — Mr. Bradley just drove up and the minis- 
ter is with him. I Mebbe Eccles is going to marry me 
after all! | Comedy Exit, L. 3 E.| g 

Hett}' — (Rushes on L. 1 E. Sees Kate, up L. 
C.) Oh, Kate? Mr. Bradley is here, and the minis- 
ter is with him ! (In Kate's embrace, L. C.) 

Kate — Don't worry, dear. 

Hetty — I can't marry that man ! I thought I could, 
but its too much! 

Kate — And you shall not — we are doing all we can 
to prevent it. 

Hetty — But what can be done ? The money is due 
at 10 o'clock — he will demand his answer. (Sees 
clock and points.) See! It is only fifteen minutes to 
ten! 

Kate (To C.) Only a quarter of an hour! 

Hetty — (E. C.) Oh, if Jim were only here ! 

Kate— ^Suddenly.) Jim! Hetty, the clock! (Up 
to clock — throws open door.) 

Hetty — What d o you mean ? 

Kate— What did Jim used to do to delay the supper? 

Hetty— I— I don't know. (To C.) 

Kate— He held back the clock ! Go inside ! Quick ! 

Hetty rushes inside clock. 
Kate quickly closes clock door. Down R. C. 

Brad— (Enters D. C. quickly. Down C, shaking 
snow from coat. Looks at watch.) Just in time. 
|Sees Kate. Starts back, to L. C.| Kate! (Recovers 
composure.) Good evening, my dear. 

Kate — I do not know you, sir. (Down R.) 
Brad— Quite forgotten me, I suppose— since our 
little "choking argument" of six months ago. I de- 
clare, Kate, you're looking well. The responsibili- 
ties of motherhood have greatly improved your ap- 
pearance. 



62 

Kate — Bradley, you surely will not dare to do this 
cruel thing 

Brad — Not dare? To win Hetty, I would dare 
anything! Do you not see me here — in the very 
teeth of danger? Hetty, or my money. Shyloek 
must have his bond. |Down L. C, pulling offgloves.| 

Kate — (To C.) you shall not do it! If you per- 
sist, I will denounce. My poor little child is dead; 
there is now no one to suffer but myself. I tell you, 
Richard Bradley, that if you lead that girl to the 
altar tonight before she shall have pronounced the 
word "yes," I will tell her that you are my betrayer 
and a would-be murderer ! 

Brad — (Produces package cigarettes. Puts one be- 
tween teeth.) Kate have you ever learned to smoke 
cigarettes? (Offers box to her,) 

Kate goes up C. in disgust to L. of clock. 
All Enter — Lucretia enters R. 3 E. Remains up R (\ Abner enters D. 
C. Remains up L,. C Mollie enters L. 3 H. Remains in L, 3 E. Tom 
enters R. 1 E. Remains R. Clock now marks 5 minutes to 10. 

Brad— (Lighting cigarette, L C. |Ah, Mr. Mayne, 
you are punctual. (Looks at watch.) You have 
still five minutes' grace. (Removes overcoat and 
hat. Places them on table, L.) 

Tom— (To R. C.,with an effort.) Mr. Bradley, I 
have exhausted every recourse. I am unable to pay 
you the $10,000. 

Brad — Don't worry, my dear fellow. Hetty has 
promised to be mine, and the debt shall be canceled 
the moment we are man and wife. 

Tom — That, sir, I will never allow 

Brad — Permit me to remind you that your wife is 
Hetty's guardian — not you. (To C , to Luc.) Lucre- 
tia, pray congratulate your sister on her approach- 
ing marriage with my fascinating self. 

Luc — (To C, strong.) I would rather see my sis- 
ter dead and in her grave than the wife of such a 
man as vou! |Tom goes to R. Cor.| 

Abner— (Up L. C.) That's like she used to talk ! I 
knowed she couldn't hold in much longer! 

Brad — Miss Hetty does not seem to hold that 
opinion, as the minister is waiting. (Indicates L. 3 
E. By the bye, where is my lovely brMe? |To L. C.| 

Kate — It is not yet ten o'clock. 

Brad — |Looks at watch. | Correct. It yet lacks 
one minute of ten. |Looks at clock and watch| and 
my watch and your clock compare exactly. I will 
spend that minute in delicious contemplation of my 
prospective honeymoon. I am a bachelor until the 



63 

clock strikes ten. |Sits R. of table L , pockets watch. I 
Kate— | Hurriedly; taps lightly on side of clock 
Aside to Het.| Hetty the clock! 

(Hetty insideclock, turns minute hand back to 9:30 with a click.) 

Brad— I presume you innocent farmers are dumb 
with wonder at my daring to venture here. I don't 
mind confessing that I did it to illustrate to you that 
deviltry sometimes wins in the end. | Looks at watch | 
The time is up. | Rises. | It is 10 o'clock, on the even- 
ing of December 24th; Mr. Mayne, I demand my 
$10,000 or Hetty Kingbridge for my wife. |L. C.| 

Kate— | Up C.| Stop! Your agreement was not by 
your watch, but by| that clock, and, that clock 
says half-past nine! 

Brad— |Sees clock. | What jugglery is this! But a 
moment ago my watch and thatclock were together! 
I'll see to this! |S+arts up C. towards clock. | 

Kate— |Steps quickly in front of clock | Hold, Rich- 
ard Bradley! This house isn't yours yet and until 
this clock strikes ten, you shall not touch one thing 
inside these walls! 

Brad— That clock shall strike, or I'll strike you! 
| Catches Kate's arm, throws her around to L. C. 
Opens clock door. Hetty is discovered. | Oh, Miss 
Hetty, allow me to congratulate vou on your arrival 
-you are just in time. |Turns.| I hope you all appre- 
ciate my brilliant joke. |To Het| Allow me to release 
you from your rather close confinement. | Takes Het 
out of clock; passes her down R. C. Turns clock-hand 
back to one minute often | Now, enough of this non- 
sense! This paper | produces document! is my right 
bower. It is now ten o'clock. At the tenth stroke of 
the hour, I demand Hetty Kingbridge, or my $10,000! 
|x's down to L. C.| 

CLOCK STRIKES SLOWLY— TEN STROKES. 

Brad— | Counting strokes | One, Two, Three, Four, 
Five, Six, Seven, Eight, Nine!- 

Jim — | Rushes in Door C. Full dress. Overcoat open. 
Covered with snow. Package of money in hand. 
Down C.| Ten thousand dollars! Count it! |Throws 
money at Brad's feet, L C. 

Brad — Damnation! |Sinks in chair, R. of table, L.| 

Hetty— Jim! |Rushes eagerly toward him.| 

Jim— | Holds Hetty off | Whoop! Got lots of bus- 
iness on hand. Let this |Throws kiss at her| hold 
you for a while. 

Hetty catches kiss and goes up R. C. 



64 

Jim — | To Brad | That paper, please. | Takes paper 
from Brad's hand, x's toR. C. To Tom| There's your 
mortgage, Tom; And let me inform you this farm is 
worth a million — it's covered with mica. |givespap c r| 

Tom — | Shakes Jim's hand.| God bless you Jim. 
| Tears up document | 

Jim — I reckon so. j|Baek to C. Takes off overcoat, 
coat and vest. |Mr. Bradle}^ kindly shed your coat 
and vest. |Tosses clothes to Tom.| 

Brad — | Rises | What do you mean? 

Jim — Six months ago you gave me a licking. I've 
learned boxing since then, and now I'm going to give 
you a run for your money. 

Brad — | In differently | As you please. |Cooly re- 
moves coat and vest and lays them on table, L.| 

Jim — | To R. C.| Tom, kindly take everybody into 
the next room and leave us alone about ten minutes. 
|x's to R. cor. | 

Tom — Just as you say, Jim. |x'supL.| I'll tell the 
minister to go. 

Ec — |Enters quickly D. C. | No! Tell that minister 
to stav! We will have use for him. |Remains up C.| 

Tom— All right. |Exit L. 3 E. followed by Mollie, 
Ab and Luc | 

Het— |X's up L, Turns in L. 3 E. | Don't hurt him too 
much Jim— just half kill him. |Ex L. 3 E.| 

Kate— | Up C, aside to Ec| What need have we 
for this minister, now? 

Ec — | Aside to Kate| The need of justice. I havn't 
shown Jim that slate yet — Bradley shall do you right. 

Kate— |Bows to L. 3 E. Turns in door| Jim, six 
months ago you asked methenameoftheman, who— 

Jim— | Up R' C. Eagerly | Yes? 

Kate— Eccles will tell you. |Ex L.3 E. closer door. | 

Ec — Produces slate| She wrote it long ago. And 
he |indicating Brad| rubbed out the "Mrs." |Hands 
slate to Jim. R. C.| 

Jim— |Takes slate and reads| "Richard Bradley" 
|Starts L. for Brad| Dam you — 

Ec— | Catches Jim C. | Keep cool, Jim. Remember 
the minister is waiting. | Indicates L. 3 E. 

Jim — You're right, Eccles — you're right. |Goes to 
R. cor. retaining slate. | 

Ec — Jim, leave him to me. This should be my 
tight. 

Jim— No! It's mine! I'm only a boy, but I'm her 
brother! Go, old man, station yourself outside that 



65 

door, keep the others out of here and be ready to 
bring in the minister when I call. 

Eccles — I understand. |Exit L. 3 E. and closes 
door. | 

Jim — To C.| Richard Bradley, do you recognize 
that? Holds up slate. | The name of the man who 
ruined my sister, the man who did his best to 
wreck the happiness of my sweetheart, the name 
from which you rubbed off the only honor it ever 
bore. |Suddenly.| Now, I'm going to rub off that 
name on your face! | Springs upon Brad, L. C. 
seizes his throat and rubs off slate on Brad's face. 
Springs back, dashing slate to stage, R.| And now 
I'm going to pound it in! |Slaps Brad's face and 
assumes a semi-pugilistic attitude, C.| 

Brad — |Hand to face.| I'll kill you! 

Jim — Oh, I dunno, I'm only a boy, but my hand 
isn't so sore as it was six months ago, and you've 
got to promise to marry my sister and clear her 
name, tonight! 

Brad — |Sneeringly.| Marry! Her? Ha, ha, ha, 
ha! 

Jim — Laugh, will ye! |Springs upon Brad, ex- 
change of blows, work around till Brad, is C. Brad, 
is knocked down, C.| I ain't so slow any more, 
am I? Git up! I'll give ye another show! 

Brad — Rises C. They fight again. Work around to L. Is knocked 
down L. C. 

Jim — | Seizes flat-iron from table, L., springs upon 
Brad, and pins him down.| Marry her, will ye? 

Brad— (Defiantly.) No! 

Jim — You won't? Once you were going to mash 
my mouth. Now, marry her, dam you, or I'll mash 
your mouth into the floor! (Raise flat-iron.) 

Brad — (Pause.) Yes! 

Jim— |Rises up, C, calls. | "Eccles!" 

Eccles — (Outside.) Yes? | Opens door, L. 3 E.| 

Jim — Bring in the minister. |R. of C. | 

Eccles — | Enters L. 3. E. with Kate in embrace. | 
Not necessaiy, dear boy, she has just married me! 
| Down L. C. with Kate.| 

Hetty — Enters L. 3. E. down R. C. quickly, picks up slate and writes 
upon it R. C. 

Brad — Has risen slowly, leans against table, L. 

Ab — Enters D. C. leaves door open, showing snow effect. 

Tom and Luc — Enter L. 3 E. remain together up L. C. 

Jim — | On cue: | Just married me |To Brad.| Go! 
Mighty quick! [Points to door, C.| 



66 

Ab— |UpR. ofC. D.| Chase him out and I'll sic 
the neighbor's dog on him! 

Brad — Gathers tip coats, vest, hat, etc , up to C. D. turns outside of 
door, showing haggard face snow falling around him. Exit to L. 

Jim— | Turns R. | Hetty, let's make this a double 
wedding. 

Hetty— | Extends slate. | The name on the slate. 

Jim— |Takes slate and reads. | "Jim Mayne of 
Maine." 

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